The Netherlands' 'AAA' rating is supported by a high value-added, flexible and open economy, a structurally strong external position and effective institutions, as reflected in the World Bank's governance indicators. The Netherlands' public debt ratio has risen further above the 'AAA' median as a result of the policy response to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Nevertheless, a strong record of sound fiscal management and the authorities' plans to narrow the deficit beginning in 2022 gives confidence that the debt ratio will decline over the medium term after the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
Read more at:
Fitch Affirms Netherlands at 'AAA'; Outlook Stable
4/30/21
EU: Insurers and EU institutions discuss options for pandemic coverage
The European Commission, insurance regulator EIOPA, and the industry have started discussing options to better ensure the protection of businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as the withdrawal of state support measures is expected to reveal the real damage caused by the crisis in the private sector.
Read more at: Insurers and EU institutions discuss options for pandemic coverage – EURACTIV.com
Read more at: Insurers and EU institutions discuss options for pandemic coverage – EURACTIV.com
USA: Unexplainable - Mysterious: Explore the Unexplainable At These Mysterious Sites in New England
If you’ve got a taste for the strange—nay, the unexplainable—and are looking for literally any reason to get out of your house, consider this list of (visitable) events and sites around New England. And they’re all outdoors, too, so you can enjoy them while you enjoy some fresh air (and also run away easily if you get spooked).
Mystery Hill. America’s Stonehenge. This 74-acre site in Salem, N.H. has consistently changed names and owners, and frequently been the cause of archeological disputes. The current owners claim that the stone formations and man-made caves and tunnels are evidence of Irish druids who arrived in New England before other European colonists arrived. Others think the site was made by Native Americans. The most credible theory is that America’s Stonehenge was the site of a lye extraction outfit in the 1800s.
Read more at: Explore the Unexplainable At These Mysterious Sites in New England
Mystery Hill. America’s Stonehenge. This 74-acre site in Salem, N.H. has consistently changed names and owners, and frequently been the cause of archeological disputes. The current owners claim that the stone formations and man-made caves and tunnels are evidence of Irish druids who arrived in New England before other European colonists arrived. Others think the site was made by Native Americans. The most credible theory is that America’s Stonehenge was the site of a lye extraction outfit in the 1800s.
Read more at: Explore the Unexplainable At These Mysterious Sites in New England
4/29/21
China-Netherlands Relations: Hi Speed Internet: Huawei denies spying accusation in the Netherlands
A report accusing Huawei of having once had "unlimited access" to phone calls made using one of the Netherlands' leading operators, KPN, has been published by a Dutch newspaper.
The report was compiled by the CapGemini consultancy in 2010 but never released.
Those affected would have included former Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.
Read more at: Huawei denies spying accusation in the Netherlands - BBC News
The report was compiled by the CapGemini consultancy in 2010 but never released.
Those affected would have included former Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.
Read more at: Huawei denies spying accusation in the Netherlands - BBC News
Germany: Is Germany's Oktoberfest heading to Dubai this year?
Last year Germany's famous Oktoberfest was cancelled. And this year? We're still not sure if it will happen yet in Munich due to Covid - but it looks like it could be heading to the desert...
Oktoberfest is to take place in Dubai, the largest city in the UAE, according to German media reports on Thursday.
The plan is to move the world’s largest folk festival to an area of around 420,000 square meters near the Dubai Marina, Berlin Christmas market boss Charles Blume, who is one of the organisers, told Spiegel.
Read more at: Is Germany's Oktoberfest heading to Dubai this year? - The Local
Oktoberfest is to take place in Dubai, the largest city in the UAE, according to German media reports on Thursday.
The plan is to move the world’s largest folk festival to an area of around 420,000 square meters near the Dubai Marina, Berlin Christmas market boss Charles Blume, who is one of the organisers, told Spiegel.
Read more at: Is Germany's Oktoberfest heading to Dubai this year? - The Local
China - space: China launches key module of new space station
China launched an unmanned module on Thursday containing what will become living quarters for three crew on a permanent space station that it plans to complete by the end of 2022, state media reported.
The module, named "Tianhe," or "Harmony of the Heavens," was launched on the Long March 5B, China's largest carrier rocket, at 11:23 a.m. local time (0323 GMT) from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre on the southern island of Hainan.
Read more at:China launches key module of new space station | CBC News
The module, named "Tianhe," or "Harmony of the Heavens," was launched on the Long March 5B, China's largest carrier rocket, at 11:23 a.m. local time (0323 GMT) from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre on the southern island of Hainan.
Read more at:China launches key module of new space station | CBC News
Brazil: Families mourn as Brazil hits 400,000 COVID deaths
On Thursday the South American nation surpassed 400,000 coronavirus-related deaths, the second-highest total in the world after the United States. More than half of those were recorded in 2021, while April has been the deadliest month since the start of the pandemi
Read more at: Families mourn as Brazil hits 400,000 COVID deaths | Coronavirus pandemic News | Al Jazeera
Read more at: Families mourn as Brazil hits 400,000 COVID deaths | Coronavirus pandemic News | Al Jazeera
4/28/21
USA: Biden to the nation and world: 'America is rising anew'
President Joe Biden declared Wednesday night in his first address to a joint session of Congress that “America is rising anew,” and pointed optimistically to the nation’s emergence from the pandemic as a vital moment to rebuild the U.S. economy and fundamentally transform government roles in American life.
Biden marked his first 100 days in office as the nation pushes out of a menacing mix of crises, making his case before a pared-down gathering of mask-wearing legislators because of pandemic restrictions.
Speaking in highly personal terms while demanding massive structural changes, the president urged a $1.8 trillion investment in children, families and education to help rebuild an economy devastated by the virus and compete with rising global competitors.
He speech took place in a setting unlike any other presidential address in the familiar venue, with the U.S. Capitol still surrounded by fencing after the building was stormed in January by insurrectionists protesting his election. The nationally televised ritual of a president standing before Congress for the first time was one of the most watched moments of Biden’s presidency so far, a chance to sell his plans to voters of both parties, even if Republican lawmakers prove resistant.
“America is ready for takeoff. We are working again. Dreaming again. Discovering again. Leading the world again. We have shown each other and the world: There is no quit in America,” Biden said.
Read more at: Biden to the nation and world: 'America is rising anew'
Biden marked his first 100 days in office as the nation pushes out of a menacing mix of crises, making his case before a pared-down gathering of mask-wearing legislators because of pandemic restrictions.
Speaking in highly personal terms while demanding massive structural changes, the president urged a $1.8 trillion investment in children, families and education to help rebuild an economy devastated by the virus and compete with rising global competitors.
He speech took place in a setting unlike any other presidential address in the familiar venue, with the U.S. Capitol still surrounded by fencing after the building was stormed in January by insurrectionists protesting his election. The nationally televised ritual of a president standing before Congress for the first time was one of the most watched moments of Biden’s presidency so far, a chance to sell his plans to voters of both parties, even if Republican lawmakers prove resistant.
“America is ready for takeoff. We are working again. Dreaming again. Discovering again. Leading the world again. We have shown each other and the world: There is no quit in America,” Biden said.
Read more at: Biden to the nation and world: 'America is rising anew'
4/27/21
The Netherlands: How a 94-meter superyacht is transported through narrow canals in the Netherlands
It's not every day you see a gigantic superyacht weaving through the narrow canals of the Netherlands.
Thankfully photographer Tom van Oossanen was on hand to capture the astonishing scenes as Project 817, a 94-meter (310 feet) vessel built by Dutch shipyard Feadship, was transported from its Kaag Island facility to the North Sea at Rotterdam last week.
In a series of stunning images, the vessel, one of the largest to be launched in 2021, is guided through the water with tugboats, passing by houses and churches, as crowds look on in amazement.
Resd more at: How a 94-meter superyacht is transported through narrow canals in the Netherlands | CNN Travel
Thankfully photographer Tom van Oossanen was on hand to capture the astonishing scenes as Project 817, a 94-meter (310 feet) vessel built by Dutch shipyard Feadship, was transported from its Kaag Island facility to the North Sea at Rotterdam last week.
In a series of stunning images, the vessel, one of the largest to be launched in 2021, is guided through the water with tugboats, passing by houses and churches, as crowds look on in amazement.
Resd more at: How a 94-meter superyacht is transported through narrow canals in the Netherlands | CNN Travel
Iraq; Calls for international community to prevent genocide of Kurds after Turkish invasion of northern Iraq
The Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) issued an urgent appeal for the international community to “stop an imminent massacre and genocide” after Turkish troops invaded Iraqi Kurdistan on Saturday.
Soldiers dropped via helicopter into the so-called Medya defence zones in the mountainous Duhok province, which borders Turkey, following a series of air strikes.
READ MORE AT; Calls for international community to prevent genocide of Kurds after Turkish invasion of northern Iraq | Morning Star
Soldiers dropped via helicopter into the so-called Medya defence zones in the mountainous Duhok province, which borders Turkey, following a series of air strikes.
READ MORE AT; Calls for international community to prevent genocide of Kurds after Turkish invasion of northern Iraq | Morning Star
China - Sandstorm: Photos Show Yellow Sky, Low Visibility, From Record-Setting China Sandstorm
A number of provinces in northern China were hit Monday with a record-setting sandstorm, with photos showing yellow skies and low visibility as sand and dust ripped through areas including Beijing.
In a Monday statement, the National Meteorological Center issued a yellow warning for the storm. Because of cold air and gales, "there will be blowing sand or floating dust in South Xinjiang Basin and eastern Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, southwestern Heilongjiang, western Jilin, western Liaoning, Gansu, Ningxia, northern Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, Beijing and Tianjin," the center said.
Read more at: Photos Show Yellow Sky, Low Visibility, From Record-Setting China Sandstorm
In a Monday statement, the National Meteorological Center issued a yellow warning for the storm. Because of cold air and gales, "there will be blowing sand or floating dust in South Xinjiang Basin and eastern Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, southwestern Heilongjiang, western Jilin, western Liaoning, Gansu, Ningxia, northern Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, Beijing and Tianjin," the center said.
Read more at: Photos Show Yellow Sky, Low Visibility, From Record-Setting China Sandstorm
Middle East - Israel: United Arab Emirates Asks Israel to 'Assume Responsibility,' De-Escalate Violence with Palestinians
The UAE's Foreign Ministry relayed the message to Israel on its state-run news agency due to mounting concerns over right-wing extremist groups in occupied East Jerusalem engaging in violent acts and the desire to preserve Jerusalem's history.
Israeli officials were directed by the UAE to "assume responsibility toward de-escalation and putting an end to all aggressions and practices that perpetuate tension and hostility," AP reported.
Read more at: United Arab Emirates Asks Israel to 'Assume Responsibility,' De-Escalate Violence with Palestinians
Israeli officials were directed by the UAE to "assume responsibility toward de-escalation and putting an end to all aggressions and practices that perpetuate tension and hostility," AP reported.
Read more at: United Arab Emirates Asks Israel to 'Assume Responsibility,' De-Escalate Violence with Palestinians
4/26/21
China - EU Relations: EU slams China’s ‘authoritarian shift’ and broken economic promises
The European Union's stance on China is hardening, and that should go down well in Washington.
Only four months after Beijing and Brussels concluded the principles of a landmark investment agreement, a high-level internal report seen by POLITICO shows the EU is now increasingly pessimistic about keeping business interests separate from political concerns over what it calls President Xi Jinping's "authoritarian shift." This tougher language reflects a new approach in the EU's official communications on China.
The EU's "progress report" on China also slams Beijing for "little progress" on economic promises made by the Communist leadership, particularly in regard to opening up digital and agricultural markets, addressing steel overcapacity and reining in industrial subsidies. It calls for "further, robust" measures to deal with the new challenges posed by China, whose economy is recovering from the coronavirus pandemic at a blistering pace.
Read more at: EU slams China’s ‘authoritarian shift’ and broken economic promises – POLITICO
Only four months after Beijing and Brussels concluded the principles of a landmark investment agreement, a high-level internal report seen by POLITICO shows the EU is now increasingly pessimistic about keeping business interests separate from political concerns over what it calls President Xi Jinping's "authoritarian shift." This tougher language reflects a new approach in the EU's official communications on China.
The EU's "progress report" on China also slams Beijing for "little progress" on economic promises made by the Communist leadership, particularly in regard to opening up digital and agricultural markets, addressing steel overcapacity and reining in industrial subsidies. It calls for "further, robust" measures to deal with the new challenges posed by China, whose economy is recovering from the coronavirus pandemic at a blistering pace.
Read more at: EU slams China’s ‘authoritarian shift’ and broken economic promises – POLITICO
India: The Netherlands Is Banning Passenger Flights from India
The Netherlands is banning passenger flights from India, where coronavirus infections are surging to record levels.
The government says the ban comes into force Monday evening and initially lasts until May 1. Flights carrying cargo and medical staff are exempt.
About seven flights a week arrive in the Netherlands from India.
Read more at: The Netherlands Is Banning Passenger Flights from India | heatlh & science , coronavirus | The National Herald
The government says the ban comes into force Monday evening and initially lasts until May 1. Flights carrying cargo and medical staff are exempt.
About seven flights a week arrive in the Netherlands from India.
Read more at: The Netherlands Is Banning Passenger Flights from India | heatlh & science , coronavirus | The National Herald
Ukraine: Vladimir Putin calls off his army but it may not be going far
The Russian flag flies over a temporary military base about 200 kilometres from the Ukraine border. (Dmitry Kozlov/CBC)
In the western Russian village of Maslovka, about two hundred kilometres from the border with Ukraine, it was impossible to miss the signs that something unusual was happening with the military troops who often visit a nearby training range.
For one, there were a lot more of them.
Read more at: Vladimir Putin calls off his army but it may not be going far | CBC News
In the western Russian village of Maslovka, about two hundred kilometres from the border with Ukraine, it was impossible to miss the signs that something unusual was happening with the military troops who often visit a nearby training range.
For one, there were a lot more of them.
Read more at: Vladimir Putin calls off his army but it may not be going far | CBC News
Robots: More robots are entering Canadian workplaces — but they're not all coming for our jobs
More robots and more humans isn't an experience unique to Ultra Shine. Workplace figures from Statistics Canada show that between one and five years after robots are adopted in a workplace, firms that bring on the machines see about 20 per cent more employees than they had before adding the robots.
"On average, firms that have adopted robots have in fact expanded their workforce in aggregate," said Jay Dixon, a researcher with the federal statistics agency. Dixon's analysis looked at data collected from 1996 to 2017, tracking what happened to workers when companies in Canada invested in robots.
Read more at: More robots are entering Canadian workplaces — but they're not all coming for our jobs | CBC Radio
"On average, firms that have adopted robots have in fact expanded their workforce in aggregate," said Jay Dixon, a researcher with the federal statistics agency. Dixon's analysis looked at data collected from 1996 to 2017, tracking what happened to workers when companies in Canada invested in robots.
Read more at: More robots are entering Canadian workplaces — but they're not all coming for our jobs | CBC Radio
UFO's: We need to talk about UFOs again - by Daniel W. Drezner
The hard-working staff here at Spoiler Alerts has probably written close to 2,000 columns since coming to The Washington Post. Among those that generated a steady stream of responses was one from 2019 headlined “UFOs exist and everyone needs to adjust to that fact.” That column did not say that aliens have visited Earth. Among the things it did say was that there literally are objects flying around that no one, including U.S. Navy pilots, can identify, and we have to puzzle out what that means.
In the two years since that column appeared, the U.S. government continues to tiptoe toward the normalization of the idea of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Last year the Department of Defense released three videos (one recorded in 2004 and the other two in 2015) of U.S. Navy pilots seeing something and having no idea what it was. In its news release, the Pentagon said, “the aerial phenomena observed in the videos remain characterized as ‘unidentified,’” putting the U in UFO.
Read more at: We need to talk about UFOs again - The Washington Post
In the two years since that column appeared, the U.S. government continues to tiptoe toward the normalization of the idea of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Last year the Department of Defense released three videos (one recorded in 2004 and the other two in 2015) of U.S. Navy pilots seeing something and having no idea what it was. In its news release, the Pentagon said, “the aerial phenomena observed in the videos remain characterized as ‘unidentified,’” putting the U in UFO.
Read more at: We need to talk about UFOs again - The Washington Post
4/25/21
India - Corona Crises: EU, U.S. Officials Announce Aid For India, Where New COVID-19 Cases Hit 330,000 A Day - by Ja’han Jones
Senior European Union officials announced Sunday that the bloc will send “rapid” assistance to help India combat its latest, devastating coronavirus outbreak. On Friday, India set a world record for the number of new coronavirus cases reported in a single day, with more than 330,000 new infections.
The Indian Health Ministry said Friday that there have been 189,544 coronavirus deaths in the country, but health experts around the world believe the true death count is much higher.
Read more at: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eu-us-india-coronavirus-aid_n_6085e023e4b0ee126f683a98
The Indian Health Ministry said Friday that there have been 189,544 coronavirus deaths in the country, but health experts around the world believe the true death count is much higher.
Read more at: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eu-us-india-coronavirus-aid_n_6085e023e4b0ee126f683a98
Genocide - Hypocracy: many countries have a dark page in their history: Historian Examines Native American Genocide, its Legacy, and Survivors
Genocide documents the murderous intentions that lurked beneath the idealized self-imaging of a young American nation.
“In order to have a ‘land of opportunity’ required space to expand,” Ostler notes. “Early American senses of ‘freedom’ fundamentally depended upon the taking of Native lands—which almost inevitably would lead to the taking of Native lives.”
From the beginning, he believes, US leaders understood and embraced this grim calculus. However, they obscured their true aims with a series of self-serving narratives built around the ideal of “civilization.” At first, this was held forth as a precious and necessary gift the colonizers were offering to Indigenous populations. Later, “defending civilization” would be invoked as justification to kill them.
Read more at: Historian Examines Native American Genocide, its Legacy, and Survivors | Around the O
“In order to have a ‘land of opportunity’ required space to expand,” Ostler notes. “Early American senses of ‘freedom’ fundamentally depended upon the taking of Native lands—which almost inevitably would lead to the taking of Native lives.”
From the beginning, he believes, US leaders understood and embraced this grim calculus. However, they obscured their true aims with a series of self-serving narratives built around the ideal of “civilization.” At first, this was held forth as a precious and necessary gift the colonizers were offering to Indigenous populations. Later, “defending civilization” would be invoked as justification to kill them.
Read more at: Historian Examines Native American Genocide, its Legacy, and Survivors | Around the O
China-US relations: The U.S. has very little to gain by overdemonizing China - by Michael O’Hanlon
The recent bipartisan push in the United States to be tough on China seems to be confirming the adage: If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing. While the Biden administration suggests that we compete against Beijing in some realms, cooperate with it in others and confront the Chinese where we must, Washington seems all too willing to overemphasize this last leg of the policy triad.
An important aspect of this is the decision to designate China as a perpetrator of genocide for its treatment of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang. “Genocide” is a big and loaded term. Its use here seems historically and legally inappropriate, and purposefully incendiary within the U.S.-China relationship. But the genocide designation is simply emblematic of a broader tendency toward the demonization of China in American foreign policy that is trending toward dangerous groupthink.
Read more at: Opinion | The U.S. has very little to gain by overdemonizing China - The Washington Post
An important aspect of this is the decision to designate China as a perpetrator of genocide for its treatment of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang. “Genocide” is a big and loaded term. Its use here seems historically and legally inappropriate, and purposefully incendiary within the U.S.-China relationship. But the genocide designation is simply emblematic of a broader tendency toward the demonization of China in American foreign policy that is trending toward dangerous groupthink.
Read more at: Opinion | The U.S. has very little to gain by overdemonizing China - The Washington Post
Iraq: Covid hospital fire: 82 dead after 'oxygen tank explodes'
At least 82 people have been killed in a fire at a hospital treating coronavirus patients in the capital of Iraq, Baghdad.
More than 100 others were injured in the blaze, which erupted at the Ibn Khatib hospital on Saturday night.
Read more at: Iraq Covid hospital fire: 82 dead after 'oxygen tank explodes' - BBC News
More than 100 others were injured in the blaze, which erupted at the Ibn Khatib hospital on Saturday night.
Read more at: Iraq Covid hospital fire: 82 dead after 'oxygen tank explodes' - BBC News
4/24/21
EU mulls legal action against AstraZeneca over shortfalls - by Elena Sánchez Nicolás
The European Commission said on Thursday (22 April) it has not yet decided whether to take legal action against AstraZeneca for failing to meet its contractual obligations - but repeated that all options are still on the table.
"What matters is that we ensure the delivery of a sufficient number of doses, in line with the company's earlier commitments," a commission spokesperson said.
Read moreat: EU mulls legal action against AstraZeneca over shortfalls
"What matters is that we ensure the delivery of a sufficient number of doses, in line with the company's earlier commitments," a commission spokesperson said.
Read moreat: EU mulls legal action against AstraZeneca over shortfalls
EU economy ′on crutches,′ warns ECB chief Christine Lagarde
European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde on Thursday said the bloc's economy was still "on crutches" and in need of support from both the central bank and government spending as the eurozone undergoes extended coronavirus lockdowns.
Lagarde said while the bank sees an eventual rebound this year, any steps to phase out its anti-pandemic emergency monetary plan would be "premature."
Read more at: EU economy ′on crutches,′ warns ECB chief Christine Lagarde | News | DW | 22.04.2021
Lagarde said while the bank sees an eventual rebound this year, any steps to phase out its anti-pandemic emergency monetary plan would be "premature."
Read more at: EU economy ′on crutches,′ warns ECB chief Christine Lagarde | News | DW | 22.04.2021
The Netherlands: A pricey rapid-testing programme rings alarms in the Netherlands
SIPPING A BEER on a pub terrace may be the Netherlands’ holiest rite of spring. But the country’s grim incidence of covid-19, currently far higher than in Germany or Italy, has kept its pubs shut. As the weather has warmed, cries of “open the terrasjes!” have sounded ever louder in Dutch politics, and this week the government gave in. From April 28th cafés may open outdoor seating (two people per table, maximum) between noon and 6pm. Meanwhile the state is eyeing a more permanent solution. It is funding pilot programmes to explore whether rapid testing of patrons can allow reopening of restaurants, museums, cultural events and the like.
The budget is huge: €1.1bn ($1.3bn) through August, more than 0.1% of GDP. Of that, €2.7m goes to experiments this spring with large-scale events such as theatre performances and football matches. But critics say these are so flawed that they may prove useless. Participants are asked to get follow-up tests and report the results, but only about four-fifths do, spoiling the results for epidemiologists. Oddly, the researchers say they are not even trying to study whether the events lead to more infections, but only whether participants follow social-distancing rules. Public documents do not specify the trials’ research questions, as would be expected for a scientific Process.
Read More at: A pricey rapid-testing programme rings alarms in the Netherlands | The Economist
The budget is huge: €1.1bn ($1.3bn) through August, more than 0.1% of GDP. Of that, €2.7m goes to experiments this spring with large-scale events such as theatre performances and football matches. But critics say these are so flawed that they may prove useless. Participants are asked to get follow-up tests and report the results, but only about four-fifths do, spoiling the results for epidemiologists. Oddly, the researchers say they are not even trying to study whether the events lead to more infections, but only whether participants follow social-distancing rules. Public documents do not specify the trials’ research questions, as would be expected for a scientific Process.
Read More at: A pricey rapid-testing programme rings alarms in the Netherlands | The Economist
4/23/21
Russia: Alexei Navalny: Russian opposition leader ends hunger strike
Imprisoned leading Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny said on Friday he would gradually end a hunger strike he started on March 31.
The 44-year-old said in an Instagram post he was ending the strike after getting medical attention and being warned by non-prison doctors that continuing it would be life-threatening. He said it would take 24 days to get completely back to normal eating
Read more at: Alexei Navalny: Russian opposition leader ends hunger strike | News | DW | 23.04.2021
The 44-year-old said in an Instagram post he was ending the strike after getting medical attention and being warned by non-prison doctors that continuing it would be life-threatening. He said it would take 24 days to get completely back to normal eating
Read more at: Alexei Navalny: Russian opposition leader ends hunger strike | News | DW | 23.04.2021
4/22/21
Netherlands keeps crown as world’s best pension system - by Rachel Fixsen, Venilia Amorim
The Dutch pension system has won the highest score in the latest Global Pension Index report from Mercer, with the international consultancy using this year’s publication to sound a stern warning on the impact of the pandemic on retirement income systems around the world.
In the 2020 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index report – previously called the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index – which awards national pension systems points for adequacy, integrity and sustainability as well as giving them an overall score, the Netherlands came top with 82.6 points, followed by Denmark with 81.4 and Israel with 74.7 points.
Read more at: Netherlands keeps crown as world’s best pension system | News | IPE
In the 2020 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index report – previously called the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index – which awards national pension systems points for adequacy, integrity and sustainability as well as giving them an overall score, the Netherlands came top with 82.6 points, followed by Denmark with 81.4 and Israel with 74.7 points.
Read more at: Netherlands keeps crown as world’s best pension system | News | IPE
USA: Joe Biden faces major test building US credibility at climate summit - by Oliver Milman
Joe Biden’s desire to re-establish US leadership on the climate crisis will face a severe test this week at a summit the president hopes will rebuild American credibility and kickstart a spluttering international effort to stave off the effects of global heating.
Biden has invited 40 world leaders to a two-day virtual gathering starting on Earth Day, Thursday, as the opening salvo in negotiations leading to crunch United Nations talks in Scotland later this year. Scientists say the world is severely lagging in tackling the climate crisis and its heatwaves, storms and floods, with planet-heating emissions set to roar back following a dip due to coronavirus shutdowns.
Read more at: Joe Biden faces major test building US credibility at climate summit | US foreign policy | The Guardian
Biden has invited 40 world leaders to a two-day virtual gathering starting on Earth Day, Thursday, as the opening salvo in negotiations leading to crunch United Nations talks in Scotland later this year. Scientists say the world is severely lagging in tackling the climate crisis and its heatwaves, storms and floods, with planet-heating emissions set to roar back following a dip due to coronavirus shutdowns.
Read more at: Joe Biden faces major test building US credibility at climate summit | US foreign policy | The Guardian
EU - Russia Relations: Russia’s Vladimir Putin counts on the EU to help him again - opinion
Russian President Vladimir Putin likes to think he is invincible. In his annual state of the nation address to both houses of parliament, the 68-year-old compared those who dare to stand up to the Kremlin to the jackal, Tabaqui, from Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book."
"There are all kinds of little Tabaqui's hanging around Shere Khan, howling to appease their sovereign," Putin said, referring to a man-eating tiger, the book's main antagonist — a not-so-subtle hint at the relationship between the US and its allies, as seen from the point-of-view of the Kremlin. Although he did not say as much, it transpires that the Russian strongman sees himself as Mowgli, the book's main hero, a man who vanquished the tiger.
Read more: Opinion: Russia’s Vladimir Putin counts on the EU to help him again | Opinion | DW | 21.04.2021
"There are all kinds of little Tabaqui's hanging around Shere Khan, howling to appease their sovereign," Putin said, referring to a man-eating tiger, the book's main antagonist — a not-so-subtle hint at the relationship between the US and its allies, as seen from the point-of-view of the Kremlin. Although he did not say as much, it transpires that the Russian strongman sees himself as Mowgli, the book's main hero, a man who vanquished the tiger.
Read more: Opinion: Russia’s Vladimir Putin counts on the EU to help him again | Opinion | DW | 21.04.2021
4/21/21
Reigning in Social Media: Reining in Facebook and Google: A Common Transatlantic Project - by Steven Hill and Stephan Richter
Big Tech media present a serious challenge for Western democracies. Tackling them is a worthy mission for the Biden Administration and the EU to work on jointly.
Read more: Reining in Facebook and Google: A Common Transatlantic Project - The Globalist
Read more: Reining in Facebook and Google: A Common Transatlantic Project - The Globalist
European Super League: Project is dead, Agnelli admits
The European Super League project is dead, its founder Andrea Agnelli has admitted. Twelve teams had agreed to join a breakaway Super League but plans collapsed when all six English clubs withdrew. Here is the latest.
Read more at: European Super League: Project is dead, Agnelli admits | Sports| German football and major international sports news | DW | 21.04.2021
Read more at: European Super League: Project is dead, Agnelli admits | Sports| German football and major international sports news | DW | 21.04.2021
The state of Democracy: Is Democracy in Decline Globally? - by Frank Vogl
The fact that the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) underscores that the United States is a “flawed democracy” and far behind its northern neighbor Canada — a “full democracy” — in its new annual Democracy Index should escape nobody’s attention.
It is a sad testimony to the parlous state of democracy in today’s world — and the true legacy of Donald Trump’s stint in the White House.
Read more at: Is Democracy in Decline Globally? - The Globalist
It is a sad testimony to the parlous state of democracy in today’s world — and the true legacy of Donald Trump’s stint in the White House.
Read more at: Is Democracy in Decline Globally? - The Globalist
Coronavirua Travel Restrictions: Canada-U.S. border restrictions extended as U.S. congressman pushes for reopening plan
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The Canada-U.S. border will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least May 21. Public Safety Minister Bill Blair tweeted the extension this morning.
"We will continue to base our decisions on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe from COVID-19," he said.
Read more at a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/borer-closed-extended-may-1.5994968">Canada-U.S. border restrictions extended as U.S. congressman pushes for reopening plan | CBC News
"We will continue to base our decisions on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe from COVID-19," he said.
Read more at a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/borer-closed-extended-may-1.5994968">Canada-U.S. border restrictions extended as U.S. congressman pushes for reopening plan | CBC News
Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin warns foreign rivals not to 'cross a red line'
Putin under Pressure and warns not to overstep the red line. Can he survive.
Read more at: Russian President Vladimir Putin warns foreign rivals not to 'cross a red line' | Euronews
Read more at: Russian President Vladimir Putin warns foreign rivals not to 'cross a red line' | Euronews
U.S. launches probe of Minneapolis police after Chauvin conviction
The probe is the first major action of Attorney General Merrick Garland, after President Joe Biden vowed to address systemic racism in the United States. It will consider whether the department engages “in a pattern or practice of using excessive force, including during protests,” he said.
He added it will also examine whether the department “engages in discriminatory conduct and whether its treatment of those with behavioral health disabilities is unlawful.”
Read more at: U.S. launches probe of Minneapolis police after Chauvin conviction | Reuters
He added it will also examine whether the department “engages in discriminatory conduct and whether its treatment of those with behavioral health disabilities is unlawful.”
Read more at: U.S. launches probe of Minneapolis police after Chauvin conviction | Reuters
4/20/21
Africa: Chad leader Idriss Deby dies on battlefield after winning reelection
The shock announcement came from the Chadian military, just a day after Deby was confirmed president-elect after securing nearly 80% of the April 11 vote. Meanwhile, Deby's son, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has taken over as interim leader of a transitional military council, the military said.
Deby was born in 1952 in northeastern Chad, in what was then part of the colonial French Equatorial Africa empire. He started his military career in Chad's capital, now known as N'Djamena, before earning a fighter pilot's license in France in 1976.
Read more at: at Chad leader Idriss Deby dies on battlefield after winning reelection | Africa | DW | 20.04.2021
Deby was born in 1952 in northeastern Chad, in what was then part of the colonial French Equatorial Africa empire. He started his military career in Chad's capital, now known as N'Djamena, before earning a fighter pilot's license in France in 1976.
Read more at: at Chad leader Idriss Deby dies on battlefield after winning reelection | Africa | DW | 20.04.2021
The Netherlands: Balancing act: Dutch PM eases lockdown amid infection rise - by Mike Corder
Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a significant easing in his country's months-long coronavirus lockdown Tuesday, calling it a delicate balancing act as infections remain stubbornly high.
The decision to cautiously relax restrictions reflects difficult choices being made in many countries as lockdown fatigue grows even as positive cases keep rising.
Read more at: Balancing act: Dutch PM eases lockdown amid infection rise - ABC News
The decision to cautiously relax restrictions reflects difficult choices being made in many countries as lockdown fatigue grows even as positive cases keep rising.
Read more at: Balancing act: Dutch PM eases lockdown amid infection rise - ABC News
USA - Black lives matter: Derek Chauvin guilty of murder, manslaughter in death of George Floyd
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, whom he pinned to the pavement, with his knee on the Black man's neck and back, in a case that touched off worldwide protests, violence and a furious re-examination of racism and policing in the U.S.
The jury came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days, finding Chauvin, 45, guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Read more at: Derek Chauvin guilty of murder, manslaughter in death of George Floyd | CBC News
The jury came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days, finding Chauvin, 45, guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Read more at: Derek Chauvin guilty of murder, manslaughter in death of George Floyd | CBC News
4/19/21
EU - Soccer: Why European Super League could reshape the future of soccer
On Sunday, 12 of the biggest soccer teams in Europe announced their intention to form their own breakaway Super League in a bold move that challenges the tradition and long-standing history of the European club game, and could change the financial and competitive nature of the sport for generations to come.
Here's what you need to know about this seismic development:
Read more at: Why European Super League could reshape the future of soccer | CBC Sports
Here's what you need to know about this seismic development:
Read more at: Why European Super League could reshape the future of soccer | CBC Sports
USA: Coronavirus vaccines: The U.S. is awash in vaccine supply. Its new concern: Will demand keep up?
On the road to mass-vaccination, the U.S. is so far ahead that it's detecting new obstacles that remain, for much of the world, an afterthought on a distant horizon.
The proportion of the population who've received at least one dose is almost twice as high as in Canada, and it's 10 times higher for the fully vaccinated.
The vaccine supply in most states has ballooned to more than one dose per adult — that's allowed half of adults and nearly 40 per cent of the total U.S. population to have received a shot
Note EU-Digest: The US should do some coronavirus diplomacy and give some of their excess vaccines to countries which don't have the means to buy the vaccines.
Note EU-Digest: Read more at: The U.S. is awash in vaccine supply. Its new concern: Will demand keep up? | CBC News
The proportion of the population who've received at least one dose is almost twice as high as in Canada, and it's 10 times higher for the fully vaccinated.
The vaccine supply in most states has ballooned to more than one dose per adult — that's allowed half of adults and nearly 40 per cent of the total U.S. population to have received a shot
Note EU-Digest: The US should do some coronavirus diplomacy and give some of their excess vaccines to countries which don't have the means to buy the vaccines.
Note EU-Digest: Read more at: The U.S. is awash in vaccine supply. Its new concern: Will demand keep up? | CBC News
'Russia is heading for a catastrophe'
Russia has rarely been out of the news in recent weeks.
Whether being sanctioned by the US for alleged hacking and election interference, or being threatened with punishment over its treatment of opposition activist Alexei Navalny, Moscow has been repeatedly criticised by world leaders.
Whilst trying to analyse Russia’s next moves, Kremlin watchers have been grappling with some big questions: What does Russia want? What is President Putin thinking? And where is this vast country going?
Read more at: 'Russia is heading for a catastrophe' - BBC News
Whether being sanctioned by the US for alleged hacking and election interference, or being threatened with punishment over its treatment of opposition activist Alexei Navalny, Moscow has been repeatedly criticised by world leaders.
Whilst trying to analyse Russia’s next moves, Kremlin watchers have been grappling with some big questions: What does Russia want? What is President Putin thinking? And where is this vast country going?
Read more at: 'Russia is heading for a catastrophe' - BBC News
Cuba leadership: DÃaz-Canel named Communist Party chief
Cuba's Communist Party has announced Miguel DÃaz-Canel will succeed Raúl Castro as the party's first secretary.
Mr DÃaz-Canel, who in 2018 succeeded Mr Castro as Cuba's president, had been widely tipped for the arguably more influential post of party leader.
The transition means that the island will be governed by someone other than Fidel or Raúl Castro for the first time since the Cuban revolution in 1959.
Read more at: Cuba leadership: DÃaz-Canel named Communist Party chief - BBC News
Mr DÃaz-Canel, who in 2018 succeeded Mr Castro as Cuba's president, had been widely tipped for the arguably more influential post of party leader.
The transition means that the island will be governed by someone other than Fidel or Raúl Castro for the first time since the Cuban revolution in 1959.
Read more at: Cuba leadership: DÃaz-Canel named Communist Party chief - BBC News
4/18/21
USA: Again three people dead in ‘active shooting incident’ in Austin, Texas
Three people were shot dead in Austin on Sunday, authorities in Texas said. No suspects were in custody.
brbrLaw enforcement officials closed off roadways in the Great Hills Trail and Rain Creek Parkway area of the city for an “active shooting incident”, according to a tweet from the city’s police department.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/18/texas-austin-shooting?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/18/texas-austin-shooting?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
USA: Is Stagflation Coming? - by Nouriel Roubini -
There is a growing debate about whether the inflation that will arise over the next few months will be temporary, reflecting the sharp bounce-back from the COVID-19 recession, or persistent, reflecting both demand-pull and cost-push factors.
Several arguments point to a persistent secular increase in inflation, which has remained below most central banks’ annual 2% target for over a decade. The first holds that the United States has enacted excessive fiscal stimulus for an economy that already appears to be recovering faster than expected. The additional $1.9 trillion of spending approved in March came on top of a $3 trillion package last spring and a $900 billion stimulus in December, and a $2 trillion infrastructure bill will soon follow. The US response to the crisis is thus an order of magnitude larger than its response to the 2008 global financial crisis.The counter-argument is that
Read more at: Is Stagflation Coming? by Nouriel Roubini - Project Syndicate
Several arguments point to a persistent secular increase in inflation, which has remained below most central banks’ annual 2% target for over a decade. The first holds that the United States has enacted excessive fiscal stimulus for an economy that already appears to be recovering faster than expected. The additional $1.9 trillion of spending approved in March came on top of a $3 trillion package last spring and a $900 billion stimulus in December, and a $2 trillion infrastructure bill will soon follow. The US response to the crisis is thus an order of magnitude larger than its response to the 2008 global financial crisis.The counter-argument is that
Read more at: Is Stagflation Coming? by Nouriel Roubini - Project Syndicate
Ukraine's Troops 'Ready' for Russian Assault As Tensions Rise Amid Envoy Arrest
Top Ukrainian general said his troops are "ready" for any Russian military assault as concern grows over Moscow's build-up of troops on the countries' borders.
His comments come as tensions between the countries are increasing away from the frontline as well, after Russia's FSB security service said it had detained a Ukrainian diplomat for receiving sensitive information from a Russian national.
Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops by Ukraine's eastern border, including deployments of tanks, rocket artillery and air defense systems. Moscow said this is in response to NATO deployments and has suggested the measures are temporary.
Read more at: Ukraine's Troops 'Ready' for Russian Assault As Tensions Rise Amid Envoy Arrest
His comments come as tensions between the countries are increasing away from the frontline as well, after Russia's FSB security service said it had detained a Ukrainian diplomat for receiving sensitive information from a Russian national.
Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops by Ukraine's eastern border, including deployments of tanks, rocket artillery and air defense systems. Moscow said this is in response to NATO deployments and has suggested the measures are temporary.
Read more at: Ukraine's Troops 'Ready' for Russian Assault As Tensions Rise Amid Envoy Arrest
Europe's democratic renewal needs a feminist slant - by Iratxe GarcÃa Pérez
If the Covid-19 outbreak has taught us anything, it’s that preparedness for crises is crucial to save lives. To be better prepared, we need to have a discussion about the future of the European Union. And not just among politicians. This is where the Conference on the Future of Europe comes in, which had been proposed already before the pandemic because, even back then, it was necessary to update our common vision and to speed up decision-making in our union of 27 member states.
Now, the time has come to get out of the ‘Brussels bubble’, listen to people and advance towards a feminist Europe. We need a new concept of power, a new approach to representative democracy and a new mindset in the EU institutions. This transformation should also be reflected in the institutional architecture. We must ensure that the conference plenary does not just become a political theatre for EU politicians to debate among themselves. Instead, it needs to be a forum to give a voice to citizens
Read more at: Europe's democratic renewal needs a feminist slant – Iratxe GarcÃa Pérez
Now, the time has come to get out of the ‘Brussels bubble’, listen to people and advance towards a feminist Europe. We need a new concept of power, a new approach to representative democracy and a new mindset in the EU institutions. This transformation should also be reflected in the institutional architecture. We must ensure that the conference plenary does not just become a political theatre for EU politicians to debate among themselves. Instead, it needs to be a forum to give a voice to citizens
Read more at: Europe's democratic renewal needs a feminist slant – Iratxe GarcÃa Pérez
US- Russian Relations: Russia will face 'consequences' if Navalny dies
The US has warned Russia there will be "consequences" if the opposition activist Alexei Navalny dies in jail.
The UK, France, Germany and the European Union have also expressed their concern over his treatment.
Navalny's doctors say he "will die within the next few days" if not given urgent medical attention for acute back pain and leg numbness.
Read more at: Russia will face 'consequences' if Navalny dies - US - BBC News
The UK, France, Germany and the European Union have also expressed their concern over his treatment.
Navalny's doctors say he "will die within the next few days" if not given urgent medical attention for acute back pain and leg numbness.
Read more at: Russia will face 'consequences' if Navalny dies - US - BBC News
4/16/21
USA - Daily Gun violence continues: 8 FedEx employees killed in shooting at Indianapolis facility; suspect also dead - by Phil Helsel, Kurt Chirbas and Elisha Fieldstadt
Eight people were killed after a gunman opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis late Thursday before killing himself, according to police.
Four others who were shot and another who was injured were taken to hospitals, officials said, adding that some may have been privately transported to medical facilities.
No law enforcement officers were hurt in the shooting carried out by a former employee who last worked at the facility in the fall, authorities said Friday afternoon.
Read more: 8 FedEx employees killed in shooting at Indianapolis facility; suspect also dead
Four others who were shot and another who was injured were taken to hospitals, officials said, adding that some may have been privately transported to medical facilities.
No law enforcement officers were hurt in the shooting carried out by a former employee who last worked at the facility in the fall, authorities said Friday afternoon.
Read more: 8 FedEx employees killed in shooting at Indianapolis facility; suspect also dead
4/15/21
EU-US Tariffs Dispute: Time running out to resolve U.S. metal tariffs dispute, EU official says - by Philip Blenkinsop
The European Union is concerned that time is running out for the United States to remove tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on steel and aluminium, a senior EU trade official said on Thursday.
Citing U.S. national security grounds the Trump administration in 2018 imposed tariffs of 25% on EU steel and 10% on aluminium - measures that steelmakers such as Thyssenkrupp (TKAG.DE) and Voestalpine (VOES.VI) have said they were affected by.
Read more at: Time running out to resolve U.S. metal tariffs dispute, EU official says | Reuters
Citing U.S. national security grounds the Trump administration in 2018 imposed tariffs of 25% on EU steel and 10% on aluminium - measures that steelmakers such as Thyssenkrupp (TKAG.DE) and Voestalpine (VOES.VI) have said they were affected by.
Read more at: Time running out to resolve U.S. metal tariffs dispute, EU official says | Reuters
Russian-US Relations: US expels Russian diplomats, imposes sanctions for hacking
The Biden administration announced Thursday the U.S. is expelling 10 Russian diplomats and imposing sanctions against dozens of companies and other people, holding the Kremlin accountable for interference in last year’s presidential election and the hacking of federal agencies.
The sweeping measures are meant to punish Russia for actions that U.S. officials say cut to the core of American democracy and to deter future acts by imposing economic costs on Moscow, including by targeting its ability to borrow money. The sanctions are certain to exacerbate tensions with Russia, which promised a response, even as President Joe Biden said the administration could have taken even more punitive measures but chose
Read more at: US expels Russian diplomats, imposes sanctions for hacking
The sweeping measures are meant to punish Russia for actions that U.S. officials say cut to the core of American democracy and to deter future acts by imposing economic costs on Moscow, including by targeting its ability to borrow money. The sanctions are certain to exacerbate tensions with Russia, which promised a response, even as President Joe Biden said the administration could have taken even more punitive measures but chose
Read more at: US expels Russian diplomats, imposes sanctions for hacking
Coronavirus: Europe surpasses 1 million COVID deaths, WHO says
More than 1 million people have died from COVID-19 in Europe, the World Health Organization announced on Thursday.
WHO Europe Director Hans Kluge warned that the situation remains "serious," with about 1.6 million new cases reported each week in the region.
Speaking on vaccine fears, Kluge said the risk of people suffering blood clots is far higher for people with COVID-19 than people who receive AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine.
Read more at: Coronavirus: Europe surpasses 1 million COVID deaths, WHO says | News | DW | 15.04.2021
WHO Europe Director Hans Kluge warned that the situation remains "serious," with about 1.6 million new cases reported each week in the region.
Speaking on vaccine fears, Kluge said the risk of people suffering blood clots is far higher for people with COVID-19 than people who receive AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine.
Read more at: Coronavirus: Europe surpasses 1 million COVID deaths, WHO says | News | DW | 15.04.2021
4/14/21
EU-US Relations: America Needs a New Transatlantic Script to Deal with China - by Shada Islam Michael D. Swaine Rachel Esplin Odell
Battered relentlessly by former President Donald Trump over four difficult years, relations between the United States and the European Union are back on track, with China providing an important spur for the renewed warmth. Expect no automatic and complete U.S.-EU alignment of views on China, however. As it gets underway, the transatlantic conversation will spotlight both convergences and divergences in the United States and EU approaches towards Beijing. For all their enthusiasm for President Joe Biden’s interest in working with allies, EU leaders have no appetite for a China policy based on confrontational zero-sum games, starting another calamitous cold war or a discussion dominated by hard security and references to preserving U.S. primacy in the Indo-Pacific region.
America Needs a New Transatlantic Script to Deal with China | The National Interest
America Needs a New Transatlantic Script to Deal with China | The National Interest
EU Coronavirus - Vaccine: EU puts faith in Pfizer jab with plan for 1.8 billion doses - "Too little, too late"??
The EU has announced plans to buy 1.8 billion doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine through 2023. The bloc is also bringing forward shorter-term Pfizer deliveries after suspending orders for the Johnson & Johnson.
On Wednesday, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said the EU planned to order 1.8 billion doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine by 2023.
Von der Leyen said Brussels had full confidence in the technology behind the Pfizer vaccine. The manufacturing process used for the Pfizer product — dependent on mRNA — is different then the one behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, which uses a cold virus to transport a segment of the coronavirus to the recipients' cells.
Read more at: EU puts faith in Pfizer jab with plan for 1.8 billion doses | Europe| News and current affairs from around the continent | DW | 14.04.2021
On Wednesday, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said the EU planned to order 1.8 billion doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine by 2023.
Von der Leyen said Brussels had full confidence in the technology behind the Pfizer vaccine. The manufacturing process used for the Pfizer product — dependent on mRNA — is different then the one behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, which uses a cold virus to transport a segment of the coronavirus to the recipients' cells.
Read more at: EU puts faith in Pfizer jab with plan for 1.8 billion doses | Europe| News and current affairs from around the continent | DW | 14.04.2021
4/13/21
Afghanistan: Biden says US to leave Afghanistan on September 11 after a 20 year war against the Taliban the US did not win
US President Joe Biden is set to announce the withdrawal of all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, an official told reporters on condition of anonymity on Tuesday.
The symbolic date, 20 years to the day of the historic terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, will end the longest war in the US history.
Read more at: Biden says US to leave Afghanistan on September 11 | News | DW | 13.04.2021
The symbolic date, 20 years to the day of the historic terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, will end the longest war in the US history.
Read more at: Biden says US to leave Afghanistan on September 11 | News | DW | 13.04.2021
Britain - the Royal family strikes again:: Princess Diana on brutal treatment by royal family: 'I was a product sitting on a shelf'
Princess Diana was treated no more than a mere outcast within the royal fold by members of the Britain's most prestigious family.
The late Princess was made to feel inferior, ridiculed, poked fun at and isolated ever since she tied the knot with Prince Charles.
Note EU-Digest: "The British Royal family does not have a great reputation of treating any of the external spouses of their family Royals with too much respect. Case in point Princess Diana, who was married to Prince Charles, who cheated on her with his present wife, and now Meghan, married to Prince Harry, son of Princess Diana. Both now living in exile in the US, because of veiled racial issues within the Royal family against Meghan. It is high time the Royals in Britain and other European countries, whose taxpayers finance their costly, mainly extravagant lifestyle, and ceremonial activities, start cleaning up their act, or have these costly institutions closed down permanently. People hate the truth, but fortunately the truth does not care ".
Read more at: Princess Diana on brutal treatment by royal family: 'I was a product sitting on a shelf'
The late Princess was made to feel inferior, ridiculed, poked fun at and isolated ever since she tied the knot with Prince Charles.
Note EU-Digest: "The British Royal family does not have a great reputation of treating any of the external spouses of their family Royals with too much respect. Case in point Princess Diana, who was married to Prince Charles, who cheated on her with his present wife, and now Meghan, married to Prince Harry, son of Princess Diana. Both now living in exile in the US, because of veiled racial issues within the Royal family against Meghan. It is high time the Royals in Britain and other European countries, whose taxpayers finance their costly, mainly extravagant lifestyle, and ceremonial activities, start cleaning up their act, or have these costly institutions closed down permanently. People hate the truth, but fortunately the truth does not care ".
Read more at: Princess Diana on brutal treatment by royal family: 'I was a product sitting on a shelf'
USA - Poll: Most Americans Support Raising Minimum Wage, But Not to $15
Democrats in Congress want to raise the hourly minimum wage to $15, but while most Americans support increasing the minimum – currently $7.25 an hour – they balk at proposals to more than double it.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 48% of American Adults believe raising the hourly minimum wage will help the U.S. economy, up from 42% two years ago. Thirty-three percent (33%) think raising the minimum wage will hurt the economy instead, while 10% say it will have no impact. Nine percent (9%) are undecided
Read more at: Most Americans Support Raising Minimum Wage, But Not to $15 - rickmorren@gmail.com - Gmail
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 48% of American Adults believe raising the hourly minimum wage will help the U.S. economy, up from 42% two years ago. Thirty-three percent (33%) think raising the minimum wage will hurt the economy instead, while 10% say it will have no impact. Nine percent (9%) are undecided
Read more at: Most Americans Support Raising Minimum Wage, But Not to $15 - rickmorren@gmail.com - Gmail
Politics and Social Media: Revealed: the Facebook loophole that lets world leaders deceive and harass their citizens - by Julia Carrie Wong
Facebook has repeatedly allowed world leaders and politicians to use its platform to deceive the public or harass opponents despite being alerted to evidence of the wrongdoing.
The Guardian has seen extensive internal documentation showing how Facebook handled more than 30 cases across 25 countries of politically manipulative behavior that was proactively detected by company staff.
The investigation shows how Facebook has allowed major abuses of its platform in poor, small and non-western countries in order to prioritize addressing abuses that attract media attention or affect the US and other wealthy countries. The company acted quickly to address political manipulation affecting countries such as the US, Taiwan, South Korea and Poland, while moving slowly or not at all on cases in Afghanistan, Iraq, Mongolia, Mexico and much of Latin America.
Read more at Revealed: the Facebook loophole that lets world leaders deceive and harass their citizens | Facebook | The Guardian
The Guardian has seen extensive internal documentation showing how Facebook handled more than 30 cases across 25 countries of politically manipulative behavior that was proactively detected by company staff.
The investigation shows how Facebook has allowed major abuses of its platform in poor, small and non-western countries in order to prioritize addressing abuses that attract media attention or affect the US and other wealthy countries. The company acted quickly to address political manipulation affecting countries such as the US, Taiwan, South Korea and Poland, while moving slowly or not at all on cases in Afghanistan, Iraq, Mongolia, Mexico and much of Latin America.
Read more at Revealed: the Facebook loophole that lets world leaders deceive and harass their citizens | Facebook | The Guardian
China-US Relations: China tells US ′not to play with fire′ over Taiwan
A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry urged the United States "not to play with fire on the Taiwan issue, and immediately stop any increase in official contacts with Taiwan" on Tuesday.
Zhao Lijian told reporters that the US must "not send the wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces so as not to subversively influence and damage Sino-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."
This follows the US State Department's decision on Friday to deepen relations with self-ruled Taiwan as China increases military activity around the island, including almost daily air force incursions into its air-defense zone.
Read more at: China tells US ′not to play with fire′ over Taiwan | News | DW | 13.04.2021
Zhao Lijian told reporters that the US must "not send the wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces so as not to subversively influence and damage Sino-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."
This follows the US State Department's decision on Friday to deepen relations with self-ruled Taiwan as China increases military activity around the island, including almost daily air force incursions into its air-defense zone.
Read more at: China tells US ′not to play with fire′ over Taiwan | News | DW | 13.04.2021
4/12/21
Ukraine: G7 calls on Russia to ‘cease provocations’ on Ukraine border
G7 calls on Russia to ‘cease provocations’ on Ukraine border
Foreign ministers attending the conference called on Russia to stop the agression against Ukraine
. Read more at: G7 calls on Russia to ‘cease provocations’ on Ukraine border | Euronews
Foreign ministers attending the conference called on Russia to stop the agression against Ukraine
. Read more at: G7 calls on Russia to ‘cease provocations’ on Ukraine border | Euronews
Canada's COVID-19 case rate now tops U.S. rate. Here's what the experts say
The staggering COVID-19 case numbers in the United States may have seemed like a world away compared to Canada's relative caseload for most of the pandemic, but recent statistics show the growing severity of the situation on this side of the border.
Read more at: Canada's COVID-19 case rate now tops U.S. rate. Here's what the experts say | CBC News
Read more at: Canada's COVID-19 case rate now tops U.S. rate. Here's what the experts say | CBC News
Cold War On the Horizon? China v Russia v America: is 2021 the year Orwell’s 1984 comes true? - by Simon Tisdall
It may just be coincidence that Russia was piling military pressure on Ukraine last week at the same time as China noisily rattled sabres around Taiwan. Spring, to mangle Tennyson, is when a young man’s fancy turns to war – and that twisted maxim may even apply to ageing thugs such as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.
Russia and China are moving into ever closer alliance. While there is no evidence of direct collusion over Ukraine and Taiwan, presidents Putin and Xi are doubtless fully aware of each other’s actions, which have an identical, mutually reinforcing effect: putting the wind up Joe Biden’s untested US administration.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/11/china-v-russia-v-america-is-2021-the-year-orwells-1984-comes-true?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Russia and China are moving into ever closer alliance. While there is no evidence of direct collusion over Ukraine and Taiwan, presidents Putin and Xi are doubtless fully aware of each other’s actions, which have an identical, mutually reinforcing effect: putting the wind up Joe Biden’s untested US administration.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/11/china-v-russia-v-america-is-2021-the-year-orwells-1984-comes-true?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
4/11/21
The Netherlands: ‘Urban Chess’ initiative continues to expand in the Netherlands
Jesús Medina Molina initiated a national program in the Netherlands which promotes the placement of public chess tables in open spaces. Medina has succeeded in getting his initiative approved in 21 Dutch cities so far, with the first three public tables inaugurated in Máxima Park in Utrecht back in 2018.
Not only has Medina worked in IT and tourism, but he also holds a Bachelor’s degree in education. Fluent in Dutch, Spanish, English and Italian, he learned to play chess when his daughter was struggling in school — he thought that chess might help her to strengthen her calculation skills.
Read more at: ‘Urban Chess’ initiative continues to expand in the Netherlands | ChessBase
Not only has Medina worked in IT and tourism, but he also holds a Bachelor’s degree in education. Fluent in Dutch, Spanish, English and Italian, he learned to play chess when his daughter was struggling in school — he thought that chess might help her to strengthen her calculation skills.
Read more at: ‘Urban Chess’ initiative continues to expand in the Netherlands | ChessBase
USA: How Putin or Xi Could Blow It All Up for Biden
Joe Biden is on a roll. His approval rating is higher than his predecessor’s ever was. Almost three-quarters of Americans think he’s doing a good job handling the COVID pandemic. Sixty percent approve of his handling of the economy.
So now is the time for him to start looking at what could go wrong, and turning his attention past our borders. It’s no coincidence that the one area where Biden’s ratings lag is at our southern border, where his efforts to fix the problems his predecessor exacerbated have hit problem after problem, all of them magnified by the knowledge of desperate immigrants that Donald Trump is gone.
Read more at: How Putin or Xi Could Blow It All Up for Biden
So now is the time for him to start looking at what could go wrong, and turning his attention past our borders. It’s no coincidence that the one area where Biden’s ratings lag is at our southern border, where his efforts to fix the problems his predecessor exacerbated have hit problem after problem, all of them magnified by the knowledge of desperate immigrants that Donald Trump is gone.
Read more at: How Putin or Xi Could Blow It All Up for Biden
Germany: Politicians blamed as summer vacation bookings plunge
Germans are in no rush to book their summer holidays due to the coronavirus pandemic and the tourism industry is blaming lawmakers for talking down the prospects of foreign travel.
There may be a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel, though, with shoots of optimism that the third quarter may provide some late summer sun, both for travelers and the industry itself.
Read more at: Germany: Politicians blamed as summer vacation bookings plunge | News | DW | 11.04.2021
There may be a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel, though, with shoots of optimism that the third quarter may provide some late summer sun, both for travelers and the industry itself.
Read more at: Germany: Politicians blamed as summer vacation bookings plunge | News | DW | 11.04.2021
4/10/21
Post-Brexit riots flare up in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has seen nightly outbreaks of street violence in recent days, as unionists and nationalists clashed with each other and police.
On Wednesday (7 April), the escalation in rioting saw a bus set on fire in Belfast.
Read more at: Post-Brexit riots flare up in Northern Ireland
On Wednesday (7 April), the escalation in rioting saw a bus set on fire in Belfast.
Read more at: Post-Brexit riots flare up in Northern Ireland
USA: WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?! A MILLION IDIOT MARCH! - by Chris Townsend
You are invited to the Million Maskless March and Mask Burning, Saturday April 10, 2021 at 3pm at the Corner of A1A and Las Olas in Ft Lauderdale!” stated protest organizer Chris Nelson.
Maskless March and Mask Burning…When I read those five words I could feel my stomach turn in disgust. I could feel that little tinge of anger in my heart. I don’t like feeling this way but after over half a million Americans have died in the past year and are still dying every day I couldn’t help myself. I found myself shocked that people still don’t get it. I don’t understand how people still feel that their freedoms are being taken away by having to wear a mask in public. I don’t get how they don’t believe in the precautions. How can they not believe the science? By now I’m sure most people in our country know at least one person who has been effected by COVID. As a healthcare professional, I have watched so many people suffer and die from this pandemic. I’ve watched worn out coworkers succumb to the virus and get sick after bravely serving the worst of the worst cases. I myself got it a year ago and I am still deal with it has a long hauler. So I guess you could see how this event could be upsetting to me.
Read more at: WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?! A MILLION IDIOT MARCH!
Maskless March and Mask Burning…When I read those five words I could feel my stomach turn in disgust. I could feel that little tinge of anger in my heart. I don’t like feeling this way but after over half a million Americans have died in the past year and are still dying every day I couldn’t help myself. I found myself shocked that people still don’t get it. I don’t understand how people still feel that their freedoms are being taken away by having to wear a mask in public. I don’t get how they don’t believe in the precautions. How can they not believe the science? By now I’m sure most people in our country know at least one person who has been effected by COVID. As a healthcare professional, I have watched so many people suffer and die from this pandemic. I’ve watched worn out coworkers succumb to the virus and get sick after bravely serving the worst of the worst cases. I myself got it a year ago and I am still deal with it has a long hauler. So I guess you could see how this event could be upsetting to me.
Read more at: WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?! A MILLION IDIOT MARCH!
4/9/21
The coronavirus is here to stay — here’s what that means
For much of the past year, life in Western Australia has been coronavirus-free. Friends gathered in pubs; people kissed and hugged their relatives; children went to school without temperature checks or wearing masks. The state maintained this enviable position only by placing heavy restrictions on travel and imposing lockdowns — some regions entered a snap lockdown at the beginning of the year after a security guard at a hotel where visitors were quarantined tested positive for the virus. But the experience in Western Australia has provided a glimpse into a life free from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. If other regions, aided by vaccines, aimed for a similar zero-COVID strategy, then could the world hope to rid itself of the virus?
It’s a beautiful dream but most scientists think it’s improbable. In January, Nature asked more than 100 immunologists, infectious-disease researchers and virologists working on the coronavirus whether it could be eradicated. Almost 90% of respondents think that the coronavirus will become endemic — meaning that it will continue to circulate in pockets of the global population for years to come
Read more at: The coronavirus is here to stay — here’s what that means
It’s a beautiful dream but most scientists think it’s improbable. In January, Nature asked more than 100 immunologists, infectious-disease researchers and virologists working on the coronavirus whether it could be eradicated. Almost 90% of respondents think that the coronavirus will become endemic — meaning that it will continue to circulate in pockets of the global population for years to come
Read more at: The coronavirus is here to stay — here’s what that means
Netherlands, Poland and Italy Antitrust & Competition
After conducting a detailed market study among manufacturers, competitors, and buyers of tires, ACM established that enough alternatives will remain in the market for tires for retailers. ACM expects that enough competitive pressure will continue to be exerted, and that the new combination will not raise prices or reduce the quality of services. ACM also assessed what the consequences would be for the market for replacement wheels. ACM has established that, in that market too, enough competition will remain. On March 10, 2021, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) cleared the acquisition of PGB by Global Automotive. Global Automotive and PBG are mainly active in the distribution of replacement tires and replacement wheels for cars and vans.
Read more at: Netherlands, Poland and Italy Antitrust & Competition News April 2021
Read more at: Netherlands, Poland and Italy Antitrust & Competition News April 2021
EU: Four deaths after taking Russian Sputnik V vaccine - by Andrew Rettman
Four people recently died in Russia shortly after taking the Sputnik V anti-corona jab in previously unreported cases, which are being taken "seriously" by the EU regulator, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Amsterdam.
Six other Russians also had medical complications after taking the vaccine, according to internal case files from RosPotrebNadzor, a Russian body responsible for administering vaccinations,
Read more at: Four deaths after taking Russian Sputnik V vaccine
Six other Russians also had medical complications after taking the vaccine, according to internal case files from RosPotrebNadzor, a Russian body responsible for administering vaccinations,
Read more at: Four deaths after taking Russian Sputnik V vaccine
Britain: Prince Philip Dead, Queen Elizabeth's Husband Was 99 - by Simon Perry and Michelle Tauber
"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," Buckingham Palace said in a statement Friday.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. "Further announcements will be made in due course.
Prince Philip Dead, Queen Elizabeth's Husband Was 99 | PEOPLE.com
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. "Further announcements will be made in due course.
Prince Philip Dead, Queen Elizabeth's Husband Was 99 | PEOPLE.com
4/8/21
Coronavirus: Netherlands Extends Travel Ban Until May 15
The Netherlands’ government has decided to extend the advice against travelling abroad for its citizens, until May 15, after taking into account the current infection rate of the Coronavirus in foreign countries.
The decision is an additional preventive measure imposed by the Dutch government to avoid travelling during the Easter holidays, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
In addition, the country’s administration has also decided to extend its restrictive measures after a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections.
Read more at: Netherlands Extends Travel Ban Until May 15 - SchengenVisaInfo.com
The decision is an additional preventive measure imposed by the Dutch government to avoid travelling during the Easter holidays, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
In addition, the country’s administration has also decided to extend its restrictive measures after a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections.
Read more at: Netherlands Extends Travel Ban Until May 15 - SchengenVisaInfo.com
Turkey :meeting Erdogan with EU von der Leyen turns into diplomatic disaster - but Turkey rejects claims of sexist snub towards von der Leyen
Turkey on Thursday strongly rejected accusations that it snubbed Ursula von der Leyen — one of the European Union’s most powerful executives — because of her gender after a protocol gaffe during a meeting at the Turkish presidential palace ignited a public uproar.
Von der Leyen — the European Commission president — and European Council chief Charles Michel met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for talks on Turkey-EU relations on Tuesday. The guests were led into a large room for discussions with Erdogan, but only two chairs had been set out in front of the EU and Turkish flags for the three leaders.
Von der Leyen stood looking at the men who took the chairs, expressing her astonishment with a “ehm” sound and a gesture of disappointment. She was later seen seated on a large beige sofa, away from her male counterparts
The images, also revealing a lack of unity among the two EU leaders. drew intense criticism on social media and accusations of gender discrimination.
Turkey insisted that the EU’s own protocol requests were applied but the EU Council head of protocol said his team did not have access, during their preparatory inspection, to the room where the incident happened.
“If the room for the tete-a-tete had been visited, we should have suggested to our hosts that, as a courtesy, they replace the sofa with two armchairs for the president of the Commission,” Dominique Marro wrote in a note made public by the EU Council. He added that the incident might have been prompted by the order of protocol established by the EU treaty.
“In general, the protocol for third countries makes a clear distinction between the status of head of state, held by the president of the European Council, and the status of prime minister, held by the president of the Commission,” he said.
read more at: Turkey rejects claims of sexist snub towards von der Leyen
Von der Leyen — the European Commission president — and European Council chief Charles Michel met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for talks on Turkey-EU relations on Tuesday. The guests were led into a large room for discussions with Erdogan, but only two chairs had been set out in front of the EU and Turkish flags for the three leaders.
Von der Leyen stood looking at the men who took the chairs, expressing her astonishment with a “ehm” sound and a gesture of disappointment. She was later seen seated on a large beige sofa, away from her male counterparts
The images, also revealing a lack of unity among the two EU leaders. drew intense criticism on social media and accusations of gender discrimination.
Turkey insisted that the EU’s own protocol requests were applied but the EU Council head of protocol said his team did not have access, during their preparatory inspection, to the room where the incident happened.
“If the room for the tete-a-tete had been visited, we should have suggested to our hosts that, as a courtesy, they replace the sofa with two armchairs for the president of the Commission,” Dominique Marro wrote in a note made public by the EU Council. He added that the incident might have been prompted by the order of protocol established by the EU treaty.
“In general, the protocol for third countries makes a clear distinction between the status of head of state, held by the president of the European Council, and the status of prime minister, held by the president of the Commission,” he said.
read more at: Turkey rejects claims of sexist snub towards von der Leyen
USA - gun contro;: Biden urges Congress to act on gun legislation: "Enough prayers, time for some action"
President Biden said he’d “use all the resources at my disposal as President to keep the American people safe from gun violence,” but pushed Congress to pass further legislation.
"They can do it right now. They’ve offered plenty of thoughts and prayers, members of Congress, but they have passed not a single new federal law to reduce gun violence," he said.
Read more at: (6) Biden urges Congress to act on gun legislation: "Enough prayers, time for some action"
"They can do it right now. They’ve offered plenty of thoughts and prayers, members of Congress, but they have passed not a single new federal law to reduce gun violence," he said.
Read more at: (6) Biden urges Congress to act on gun legislation: "Enough prayers, time for some action"
4/7/21
Canada: Ontario imposes stay-at-home order as COVID-19 cases surge but stops short of instituting paid sick days
Ontario has declared its third provincewide state of emergency as the number of COVID-19 cases surge, issuing a stay-at-home order effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
The province is also expanding vaccine eligibility for more people over the age of 18 in regions hardest hit by the virus, starting with Toronto and Peel Region.
Read more at: Ontario imposes stay-at-home order as COVID-19 cases surge but stops short of instituting paid sick days | CBC News
The province is also expanding vaccine eligibility for more people over the age of 18 in regions hardest hit by the virus, starting with Toronto and Peel Region.
Read more at: Ontario imposes stay-at-home order as COVID-19 cases surge but stops short of instituting paid sick days | CBC News
Germany: Coronavirus: Angela Merkel backs short national lockdown
On Wednesday, a German government spokeswoman said the chancellor was in favor of a short nationwide lockdown to help stem rising coronavirus figures.
As Germany struggles to tackle a third wave of COVID-19 cases during a sluggish vaccination campaign, several state leaders have backed calls for a period of strict restrictions.
Under Germany's federal system, each state ultimately has the power to decide its own coronavirus rules. Some have failed to impose tougher restrictions despite case numbers that exceed a nationally-agreed "emergency brake," and even gone ahead with a relaxation of the rules.
Read more Coronavirus: Angela Merkel backs short national lockdown | News | DW | 07.04.2021
As Germany struggles to tackle a third wave of COVID-19 cases during a sluggish vaccination campaign, several state leaders have backed calls for a period of strict restrictions.
Under Germany's federal system, each state ultimately has the power to decide its own coronavirus rules. Some have failed to impose tougher restrictions despite case numbers that exceed a nationally-agreed "emergency brake," and even gone ahead with a relaxation of the rules.
Read more Coronavirus: Angela Merkel backs short national lockdown | News | DW | 07.04.2021
International passenger traffic down 89% in February, no sign of recovery: IATA
Global airline industry body IATA said international passenger traffic plunged 89% in February compared to the same month last year as COVID-19 infections climbed once more, and there was no sign of an aviation recovery yet.
International passenger traffic was down almost 89% and is showing no signs of recovery in the current environment,” IATA’s new director general Willie Walsh said at a presentation on Wednesday.
Read more: International passenger traffic down 89% in February, no sign of recovery: IATA | Reuters
International passenger traffic was down almost 89% and is showing no signs of recovery in the current environment,” IATA’s new director general Willie Walsh said at a presentation on Wednesday.
Read more: International passenger traffic down 89% in February, no sign of recovery: IATA | Reuters
Vaccination Covid Immunity Period: How Long Will COVID-19 Vaccine Immunity Last? - by Jennifer Rainey Marquez,
After half a million deaths and more than a year of lockdowns, quarantines, masking and social distancing, the U.S. is in the midst of a vaccination campaign that aims to put an end to the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Months of rigorous testing and clinical trials have shown that the vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing COVID-19 and will likely fend off serious illness or hospitalization even if you do get sick. What's still unclear is just how long that protection will last, or whether we'll eventually need boosters or follow-up shots to protect against new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
A piece of the answer came today from Pfizer, which announced that its vaccine, after the second dose, was shown to be highly effective for up to six months — even against one of the well-known virus variants.
Read more at: How Long Will COVID-19 Vaccine Immunity Last?
A piece of the answer came today from Pfizer, which announced that its vaccine, after the second dose, was shown to be highly effective for up to six months — even against one of the well-known virus variants.
Read more at: How Long Will COVID-19 Vaccine Immunity Last?
4/6/21
The Netherlands: VVD continues to back PM Mark Rutte but coalition options are limited
A number of prominent VVD members have gone public with their support for beleaguered caretaker prime minister Mark Rutte, who is facing increasing isolation in The Hague after ‘forgetting’ he had suggested moving a critical MP to a ‘new role’.
Former ministers in Rutte-led governments, including Henk Kamp, Annemarie Jorritsma and Fred Teeven have all given their public backing to the prime minister, and there is no-one within the party who is publicly doubting his leadership, the NRC reported. After all, they point out the VVD won the election with 34 seats and ‘you do not dump a leader who made his party the biggest again’
Read more at: VVD continues to back Mark Rutte but coalition options are limited - DutchNews.nl
Former ministers in Rutte-led governments, including Henk Kamp, Annemarie Jorritsma and Fred Teeven have all given their public backing to the prime minister, and there is no-one within the party who is publicly doubting his leadership, the NRC reported. After all, they point out the VVD won the election with 34 seats and ‘you do not dump a leader who made his party the biggest again’
Read more at: VVD continues to back Mark Rutte but coalition options are limited - DutchNews.nl
Russia In High-Level Contact With US Over Ukraine
Russia said on Monday (5 April) it was in high-level contact with the United States about tensions over Ukraine and dismissed fears of a Russian military buildup even as it vowed to respond to new Ukrainian sanctions.
US President Joe Biden used a first phone call with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday to offer “unwavering” support after Western nations and NATO voiced concern over Russian troop movements near Ukraine.
There has been a recent spike in violence in Ukraine’s eastern Donbass region where Kyiv’s troops have battled Russian-backed separatist forces in a conflict it estimates has killed 14,000 people since 2014.
Read more at: Russia In High-Level Contact With US Over Ukraine – Eurasia Review
US President Joe Biden used a first phone call with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday to offer “unwavering” support after Western nations and NATO voiced concern over Russian troop movements near Ukraine.
There has been a recent spike in violence in Ukraine’s eastern Donbass region where Kyiv’s troops have battled Russian-backed separatist forces in a conflict it estimates has killed 14,000 people since 2014.
Read more at: Russia In High-Level Contact With US Over Ukraine – Eurasia Review
Middle East: Iran nuclear deal: US joins Vienna talks aimed at reviving accord
The United States has joined talks in Vienna aimed at reviving the Iran nuclear deal, which the Trump administration abandoned in 2018.
President Joe Biden has said he wants to return to the landmark accord.
But the six remaining state parties need to find a way for him to lift the sanctions imposed by his predecessor and for Iran to return to the agreed limits on its nuclear programme.
Read more at: Iran nuclear deal: US joins Vienna talks aimed at reviving accord - BBC News
President Joe Biden has said he wants to return to the landmark accord.
But the six remaining state parties need to find a way for him to lift the sanctions imposed by his predecessor and for Iran to return to the agreed limits on its nuclear programme.
Read more at: Iran nuclear deal: US joins Vienna talks aimed at reviving accord - BBC News
EU wrestles for control of euro clearing after Brexit – by Hannah Brenton
The EU’s latest battle with Britain concerns interest-rate swaps — a financial transaction used by fund managers, insurers, pension funds and banks to protect themselves against unexpected changes in the cost of borrowing.
These swaps are “cleared” — that is, monitored and managed — through clearinghouses like LCH in London, by far the major player in the industry. The clearinghouse becomes the buyer to the seller, and vice versa, to guarantee a trade.
Read more at: EU wrestles for control of euro clearing after Brexit – POLITICO
These swaps are “cleared” — that is, monitored and managed — through clearinghouses like LCH in London, by far the major player in the industry. The clearinghouse becomes the buyer to the seller, and vice versa, to guarantee a trade.
Read more at: EU wrestles for control of euro clearing after Brexit – POLITICO
4/5/21
EU - Coronavirus Travel Restrictions: Czechia Adds Belgium & Netherlands to High-Risk COVID-19 Category
The Czech Republic’s government has announced that from April 5, Belgium and the Netherlands will be included on the COVID-19 dark red list, in which are placed countries profoundly affected by the Coronavirus disease.
At the same time, Ireland and Malta will be placed on the red list of countries, while Iceland will move to the orange list, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Czechia’s Ministry of Health decision comes after taking into account the updated data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which shows the degree of risk which countries face from the spread of the virus.
Read more at: Czechia Adds Belgium & Netherlands to High-Risk COVID-19 Category - SchengenVisaInfo.com
At the same time, Ireland and Malta will be placed on the red list of countries, while Iceland will move to the orange list, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Czechia’s Ministry of Health decision comes after taking into account the updated data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which shows the degree of risk which countries face from the spread of the virus.
Read more at: Czechia Adds Belgium & Netherlands to High-Risk COVID-19 Category - SchengenVisaInfo.com
Russia : Siberia's sacred lake Baikal - by Chris Brown
A facination report of one of the most important lakes in the world. Lake Baikal in Siberia has become a top destination for Russian and foreign tourists. But many fear the influx of visitors and their garbage is imperilling it and there is deep mistrust over the Putin government's efforts to manage the issue.
Read the full report at: https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/siberia-lake-baikal-russia-ice
Read the full report at: https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/siberia-lake-baikal-russia-ice
'USA - Evangelical right challenged: Allergic reaction to US religious right' fueling decline of religion, experts say - by Adam Gabatt
Fewer than half of Americans belong to a house of worship, a new study shows, but religion – and Christianity in particular – continues to have an outsize influence in US politics, especially because it is declining faster among Democrats than Republicans.
Just 47% of the US population are members of a church, mosque or synagogue, according to a survey by Gallup, down from 70% two decades ago – in part a result of millennials turning away from religion but also, experts say, a reaction to the swirling mix of rightwing politics and Christianity pursued by the Republican party.
The evidence comes as Republicans in some states have pursued extreme “Christian nationalist” policies, attempting to force their version of Christianity on an increasingly uninterested public.
Read more at: 'Allergic reaction to US religious right' fueling decline of religion, experts say | World news | The Guardian
Just 47% of the US population are members of a church, mosque or synagogue, according to a survey by Gallup, down from 70% two decades ago – in part a result of millennials turning away from religion but also, experts say, a reaction to the swirling mix of rightwing politics and Christianity pursued by the Republican party.
The evidence comes as Republicans in some states have pursued extreme “Christian nationalist” policies, attempting to force their version of Christianity on an increasingly uninterested public.
Read more at: 'Allergic reaction to US religious right' fueling decline of religion, experts say | World news | The Guardian
USA - turning into a dangerous shooting gallery: : Two children, one a 9-year-old girl, shot in Fort Lauderdale - by Eileen Kelley, Chris Perkins and Brooke Baitinger
Shooters fire more than 50 bullets into a crowd in Fort Lauderdale. A girl and boy among the wounded.
A lively party inside the store turned to chaos. Children covered their ears to blunt the jarring sound of gunfire as they ducked for cover. A mother rushed in with her little girl, the glass door to the market shattering, according to store surveillance video. The girl’s mom tried to avoid the gunfire as she carried her little girl, but the child still was struck.
Note EU-Digest: Tourists and visitors, if you want a dangerous holiday, come to America - "the world's number one shooting gallery" , daily killings and no proper gun control laws.
Read more at: Two children, one a 9-year-old girl, shot in Fort Lauderdale - South Florida Sun-Sentinel
A lively party inside the store turned to chaos. Children covered their ears to blunt the jarring sound of gunfire as they ducked for cover. A mother rushed in with her little girl, the glass door to the market shattering, according to store surveillance video. The girl’s mom tried to avoid the gunfire as she carried her little girl, but the child still was struck.
Note EU-Digest: Tourists and visitors, if you want a dangerous holiday, come to America - "the world's number one shooting gallery" , daily killings and no proper gun control laws.
Read more at: Two children, one a 9-year-old girl, shot in Fort Lauderdale - South Florida Sun-Sentinel
4/4/21
Corona Pandemic- back to normal will not be easy ?: The pandemic blurred our sense of time, and getting back to normal won't be easy, say expert
Early in the pandemic, a local news station in Cleveland earned notoriety for a new segment called "What day is it?"
It was a lighthearted acknowledgement that for many people, stuck at home for weeks thanks to lockdown measures, it was difficult differentiating one day from another.
The phenomenon has a name all its own: Blur's Day — or if you want to get technical, "temporal disintegration," according to Alison Holman, who has studied how the pandemic has affected people's perception of time.
Read morte at: The pandemic blurred our sense of time, and getting back to normal won't be easy, say experts | CBC Radio
It was a lighthearted acknowledgement that for many people, stuck at home for weeks thanks to lockdown measures, it was difficult differentiating one day from another.
The phenomenon has a name all its own: Blur's Day — or if you want to get technical, "temporal disintegration," according to Alison Holman, who has studied how the pandemic has affected people's perception of time.
Read morte at: The pandemic blurred our sense of time, and getting back to normal won't be easy, say experts | CBC Radio
EU vaccination chaos: How many vaccine doses have arrived in EU countries and how do they get there?
More than 85 million coronavirus vaccine doses have been distributed by vaccine manufacturers to EU and EEA countries and millions more are expected to arrive before the summer months.
Four vaccines are approved for use in the bloc - the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines, as well as the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine and the single dose jab from Johnson & Johnson.
But the EU has been heavily criticised for its slow vaccine rollout, with critics emphasising that they needed to incentivise companies better to scale up vaccine production before the vaccines were authorised.
Read more at:How many vaccine doses have arrived in EU countries and how do they get there? | Euronews
Four vaccines are approved for use in the bloc - the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines, as well as the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine and the single dose jab from Johnson & Johnson.
But the EU has been heavily criticised for its slow vaccine rollout, with critics emphasising that they needed to incentivise companies better to scale up vaccine production before the vaccines were authorised.
Read more at:How many vaccine doses have arrived in EU countries and how do they get there? | Euronews
China Vs. the West: An Epic Global Battle Is Brewing - by Denis MacShane
Western democracies are struggling with finding an effective way of dealing with China and Russia — and their ever more authoritarian ways.
And what is the best solution? Simply acquiesce, or confront, contain, challenge – or even cut trade and create sanctions with real teeth?
Beijing has reacted angrily to tiny, first-step sanctions imposed by the United States, the EU and even the UK under Boris Johnson — who considers himself a “fervent Sinophile.”
So far, four low-level Chinese Communist functionaries have been named in connection with oppression of Uighurs and banned from visiting Western countries or owning assets in the West.
Read more at: China Vs. the West: An Epic Global Battle Is Brewing - The Globalist
And what is the best solution? Simply acquiesce, or confront, contain, challenge – or even cut trade and create sanctions with real teeth?
Beijing has reacted angrily to tiny, first-step sanctions imposed by the United States, the EU and even the UK under Boris Johnson — who considers himself a “fervent Sinophile.”
So far, four low-level Chinese Communist functionaries have been named in connection with oppression of Uighurs and banned from visiting Western countries or owning assets in the West.
Read more at: China Vs. the West: An Epic Global Battle Is Brewing - The Globalist
4/3/21
Rapid Corona test: Netherlands set to launch rapid-test ‘Corona-Check’ app
The Netherlands will test an app this weekend called “coronacheck“, which will help aid entrance to festivals. Asking users of the app to travel to one of 100 test locations nationwide partake in a rapid test, an employee will fill in a code in your app which will create a QR code. At the entrance of a festival, the employees will scan the code and when the screen turns green you will have access to the event. The result is valid for 48 hours, and the test is free. The app is linked to your name and date of birth and that will be checked upon entrance to avoid fraud. People in the Netherlands can also use this app for other public events or settings, such the cinema, concerts, and sports matches.
At the press conference on Monday, outgoing Netherlands minister Mr. De Jonge indicated that a law still has to regulate the obligation to enter certain places. This law will be discussed in the House of Representatives this month. According to the Ministry of Health, the country will not open again fully until mid-April at the earliest. The parallel test streets will be located at a hundred different locations, and the new is generally being welcomed as a positive development for the country of the Netherlands.
RFead more at: Netherlands set to launch rapid-test ‘Corona-Check’ app
At the press conference on Monday, outgoing Netherlands minister Mr. De Jonge indicated that a law still has to regulate the obligation to enter certain places. This law will be discussed in the House of Representatives this month. According to the Ministry of Health, the country will not open again fully until mid-April at the earliest. The parallel test streets will be located at a hundred different locations, and the new is generally being welcomed as a positive development for the country of the Netherlands.
RFead more at: Netherlands set to launch rapid-test ‘Corona-Check’ app
Britain: Scientists Developing “Game-Changing” Test to Diagnose Parkinson’s Based on Compounds Found on Skin
Scientists at The University of Manchester have developed a technique that works by analyzing compounds found in sebum — the oily substance that coats and protects the skin — and identifying changes in people with Parkinson’s Disease. Sebum is rich in lipid-like molecules and is one of the lesser-studied biological fluids in the diagnosis of the condition. People with Parkinson’s may produce more sebum than normal — a condition known as seborrhoea.
The research has been funded by charities Parkinson’s UK and the Michael J. Fox Foundation as well as The University of Manchester Innovation Factory. The work was originally funded following an observation by Joy Milne, whose husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 45. Working with Dr. Tilo Kunath at the University of Edinburgh, Joy demonstrated an incredible ability to distinguish a distinctive Parkinson’s odor in individuals using her sense of smell, even before symptoms emerge in those affected.
The team, led by Professor Perdita Barran, The University of Manchester, and the clinical lead Professor Monty Silverdale at Salford Royal Foundation Trust, recruited 500 people with and without Parkinson’s. Samples of sebum were taken from their upper backs for analysis. Using different mass spectrometry methods, 10 chemical compounds in sebum were identified which are elevated or reduced in people with Parkinson’s. This allows scientists to distinguish people with Parkinson’s with 85 percent accuracy.
Read more at: Scientists Developing “Game-Changing” Test to Diagnose Parkinson’s Based on Compounds Found on Skin
The research has been funded by charities Parkinson’s UK and the Michael J. Fox Foundation as well as The University of Manchester Innovation Factory. The work was originally funded following an observation by Joy Milne, whose husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 45. Working with Dr. Tilo Kunath at the University of Edinburgh, Joy demonstrated an incredible ability to distinguish a distinctive Parkinson’s odor in individuals using her sense of smell, even before symptoms emerge in those affected.
The team, led by Professor Perdita Barran, The University of Manchester, and the clinical lead Professor Monty Silverdale at Salford Royal Foundation Trust, recruited 500 people with and without Parkinson’s. Samples of sebum were taken from their upper backs for analysis. Using different mass spectrometry methods, 10 chemical compounds in sebum were identified which are elevated or reduced in people with Parkinson’s. This allows scientists to distinguish people with Parkinson’s with 85 percent accuracy.
Read more at: Scientists Developing “Game-Changing” Test to Diagnose Parkinson’s Based on Compounds Found on Skin
Coronavirus Vaccine ‘Fiasco’ Damages Europe’s Credibility - by Steven Erlanger
Alain Walravens, 63, is waiting to be invited for a first coronavirus vaccination. So are Marion Pochet, 71, a retired translator, and her husband, Jean-Marc. At least, Ms. Pochet said, they both have had Covid-19, “so we have some immunity, at least for the moment.”
All three are sharply critical of the European Union, which took control of vaccine procurement and distribution and is widely considered to have done worse than its main partners, the United States and Britain, let alone Israel, which have all gotten vaccines into a much larger percentage of their populations than Europe.
So far, only about 11 percent of the bloc’s population has received at least one vaccine shot, compared with 46 percent in Britain and 29 percent in the United States.
Read more at: Coronavirus Vaccine ‘Fiasco’ Damages Europe’s Credibility - The New York Times
All three are sharply critical of the European Union, which took control of vaccine procurement and distribution and is widely considered to have done worse than its main partners, the United States and Britain, let alone Israel, which have all gotten vaccines into a much larger percentage of their populations than Europe.
So far, only about 11 percent of the bloc’s population has received at least one vaccine shot, compared with 46 percent in Britain and 29 percent in the United States.
Read more at: Coronavirus Vaccine ‘Fiasco’ Damages Europe’s Credibility - The New York Times
USA: Harvard Scientists Excited by Results on New Cancer Vaccine
A team of researchers say they’ve designed a personalized cancer vaccine capable of inducing an immune response that fights off melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, that lasts for several years.
In a study published in the journal Nature Medicine back in January, the scientists examined eight subjects who previously had their melanoma surgically removed, but were still at a high risk of recurrence.
All eight were injected with the experimental vaccine called NeoVax. The results were promising: the researchers found a vaccine-induced immune response in all patients that can “persist over years,” according to the paper.
Read more at: Harvard Scientists Excited by Results on New Cancer Vaccine
In a study published in the journal Nature Medicine back in January, the scientists examined eight subjects who previously had their melanoma surgically removed, but were still at a high risk of recurrence.
All eight were injected with the experimental vaccine called NeoVax. The results were promising: the researchers found a vaccine-induced immune response in all patients that can “persist over years,” according to the paper.
Read more at: Harvard Scientists Excited by Results on New Cancer Vaccine
4/2/21
EU: Doubts over EU Parliament's new 'fingerprint' plan - by Elena Sánchez Nicolás
The European Parliament's plans to replace the current paper-based MEPs attendance control system with a digital register, based on a fingerprint scanner, raises "critical concerns," the EU data protection watchdog has warned.
The parliament's bureau, responsible for the budget and administration, decided in 2019 that the central attendance register should be digitalised - following a voluntary test phase.
Read more at: Doubts over EU Parliament's new 'fingerprint' plan
The parliament's bureau, responsible for the budget and administration, decided in 2019 that the central attendance register should be digitalised - following a voluntary test phase.
Read more at: Doubts over EU Parliament's new 'fingerprint' plan
USA - Coronavirus 4th wave: 'Right now, I'm scared,' CDC head says as she warns of potential 4th pandemic surge in U.S
U.S. officials issued what was intended to be a sobering warning Monday that the COVID-19 pandemic could still get a whole lot worse.
Their unusually emotional message carried obvious international implications, especially given that the U.S. has already vaccinated its citizens at a rate triple Canada's.
The theme of a White House briefing Monday was that this is a terrible time for the country to let down its guard and reopen as some states are doing.
Read more at: 'Right now, I'm scared,' CDC head says as she warns of potential 4th pandemic surge in U.S. | CBC News
Their unusually emotional message carried obvious international implications, especially given that the U.S. has already vaccinated its citizens at a rate triple Canada's.
The theme of a White House briefing Monday was that this is a terrible time for the country to let down its guard and reopen as some states are doing.
Read more at: 'Right now, I'm scared,' CDC head says as she warns of potential 4th pandemic surge in U.S. | CBC News
USA: Easter Religious Services: Fewer Americans Will Attend Church This Easter
Perhaps because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans don’t expect to celebrate this Easter Sunday in church.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 40% of American Adults say they will attend a church service to celebrate Easter this year. Forty-seven percent (47%) say they won’t attend church for Easter and 13% are not sure.
Read more at: Fewer Americans Will Attend Church This Easter - Rasmussen Reports®
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 40% of American Adults say they will attend a church service to celebrate Easter this year. Forty-seven percent (47%) say they won’t attend church for Easter and 13% are not sure.
Read more at: Fewer Americans Will Attend Church This Easter - Rasmussen Reports®
USA: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport Reopened After ‘Suspicious Wires’ Cause Evacuation, Delays
All entrances to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport were closed for over five hours Thursday morning while police investigated "suspicious wires" found in a vehicle, leading to evacuations and a massive law enforcement response.
Broward Sheriff's Office officials said deputies received information about the suspicious wires in the vehicle that was in a parking garage near Terminals 2 and 3 just after
Deputies responded to the scene and quickly closed the roadways and secured the area around the vehicle located on the upper level of the garage, evacuating people in the vicinity.
Read more at: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport Reopened After ‘Suspicious Wires’ Cause Evacuation, Delays – NBC 6 South Florida
Broward Sheriff's Office officials said deputies received information about the suspicious wires in the vehicle that was in a parking garage near Terminals 2 and 3 just after
Deputies responded to the scene and quickly closed the roadways and secured the area around the vehicle located on the upper level of the garage, evacuating people in the vicinity.
Read more at: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport Reopened After ‘Suspicious Wires’ Cause Evacuation, Delays – NBC 6 South Florida
4/1/21
The Netherlands Eurovision 2021: Jeangu Macrooy "Birth Of A New Age" Lyrics
“Birth of a New Age” is written by Jeangu himself alongside Perquisite, with whom Jeangu writes all his material. Jeangu was reselected as the Dutch participant for Eurovision following the cancellation of last year’s contest.
“Birth of a New Age” is special because its lyrics are partially in Sranan Tongo, the local language of Jeangu’s birth country Suriname. Sranan was born as a Dutch and English-based creole language initially used by slaves to communicate with each other. Nowadays, it is still an important language of intercultural communication in Suriname. Jeangu will be the first ever contestant to perform the language at Eurovision.
Jeangu Macrooy told NPO Radio 5’s Volgspot why he chose to incorporate the language into his entry:
Read more at: Jeangu Macrooy "Birth Of A New Age" Lyrics - The Netherlands Eurovision 2021
“Birth of a New Age” is special because its lyrics are partially in Sranan Tongo, the local language of Jeangu’s birth country Suriname. Sranan was born as a Dutch and English-based creole language initially used by slaves to communicate with each other. Nowadays, it is still an important language of intercultural communication in Suriname. Jeangu will be the first ever contestant to perform the language at Eurovision.
Jeangu Macrooy told NPO Radio 5’s Volgspot why he chose to incorporate the language into his entry:
Read more at: Jeangu Macrooy "Birth Of A New Age" Lyrics - The Netherlands Eurovision 2021
Turkey: U.S. Faults NATO Ally Turkey With Range of Human Rights Issues - by Selcan Hacaoglu
The Biden administration faulted Turkey over a series of “significant human rights issues” ranging from allegations of arbitrary killings and torture cases to the jailing of tens of thousands of political foes, including politicians, lawyers, journalists and human rights activists.
The release late Tuesday of the “2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices” exposes mounting mistrust on both sides of the alliance and lingering tensions with Turkey under President Joe Biden.
The U.S. leader criticized Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an “autocrat” in a meeting with the New York Times in 2019 and hasn’t called Erdogan since taking office in January.
Read More At: U.S. Faults NATO Ally Turkey With Range of Human Rights Issues - Bloomberg
The release late Tuesday of the “2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices” exposes mounting mistrust on both sides of the alliance and lingering tensions with Turkey under President Joe Biden.
The U.S. leader criticized Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an “autocrat” in a meeting with the New York Times in 2019 and hasn’t called Erdogan since taking office in January.
Read More At: U.S. Faults NATO Ally Turkey With Range of Human Rights Issues - Bloomberg
USA: Coronavirus Surge: 'Right now, I'm scared,' CDC head says as she warns of potential 4th pandemic surge in U.S.
U.S. officials issued what was intended to be a sobering warning Monday that the COVID-19 pandemic could still get a whole lot worse.
Their unusually emotional message carried obvious international implications, especially given that the U.S. has already vaccinated its citizens at a rate triple Canada's.
The theme of a White House briefing Monday was that this is a terrible time for the country to let down its guard and reopen as some states are doing.
Read more at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/us-officials-pandemic-warning-1.5968462
Their unusually emotional message carried obvious international implications, especially given that the U.S. has already vaccinated its citizens at a rate triple Canada's.
Read more at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/us-officials-pandemic-warning-1.5968462
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