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38
Watershed moment: harris shuns live fundraiser and shuns Jesus comments
Au contraire. It's a good reason why people might be reluctant to vote for Harris. -
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Trump kicks off a Pennsylvania rally by talking about Arnold Palmer’s genitalia
Imagine the dotard as president in four years. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 23 October 2024
Two Elderly Women Injured as Car Drives Into Canal in Phayao A car driver lost control and plunged into a roadside canal near the Caltex gas station in Mae Chai sub-district, Phayao, trapping two elderly women inside. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341427-two-elderly-women-injured-as-car-drives-into-canal-in-phayao/ -
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Europe’s Migration Policies: A Quiet Shift Toward Trump-like Toughness
Many, if not most, of his loud boasts of controlling immigration, building walls etc never actually came to fruition. I can only assume you were not paying attention when he had an agreement with Mexico to stop them. That was cancelled by Biden. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remain_in_Mexico Remain in Mexico (officially Migrant Protection Protocols) is a United States immigration policy originally implemented in January 2019 under the administration of President Donald Trump, affecting immigration across the border with Mexico. Administered by the Department of Homeland Security, it requires migrants seeking asylum to remain in Mexico until their US immigration court date. The policy was initially ended by the Biden administration, -
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Putin’s Propaganda Chief Boasts of Russian Influence on U.S. Elections
Smearing Tim Walz. Inciting division. Inciting violence. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/10/22/russia-election-disruption-tim-walz/?itid=hp-mv-top-stories_top-table-main_p001_f003 U.S. officials say Russia smeared Tim Walz, might stoke post-vote violence Intelligence officials see Moscow’s hand in a fake video accusing the Democratic vice-presidential candidate of abusing a student years ago. U.S. intelligence officials on Tuesday said Russians seeking to disrupt the U.S. elections created a faked video and other material smearing Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz with abuse allegations and are considering fomenting violence during and after the vote. The faked content accused Walz of inappropriate interactions with students while a teacher and coach. The posts drew millions of views on social media, tarring the Minnesota governor ahead of Nov. 5. The officials said the Russian videos were part of the most active attempt by another country to tilt the 2024 election. They added that Russian government agencies and contractors, which generally seek to boost Republican former president Donald Trump’s campaign, are considering trying to instigate physical violence in the fraught period after voters cast their ballots. -
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Two Elderly Women Injured as Car Drives Into Canal in Phayao
Emergency services were called at 9:50 on October 22, to an incident in Mae Chai district, Phayao province. A car driver lost control and plunged into a roadside canal near the Caltex gas station in Moo 4, Mae Chai sub-district, trapping two elderly women inside. Responding to the scene, Mae Chai Police dispatched officers, and multiple rescue teams were deployed, including units from the Rompho Phayao Rescue Association, Ruamjai Pattana Municipality Rescue, Sritoi Municipality Rescue, and Charoenrat Municipality Rescue. Upon arrival, rescue teams found the vehicle partially submerged in the canal, with water reaching the lower part of the door windows. Rescuers waded through the water to reach the trapped women, providing immediate first aid. Both women were carefully extracted from the car by being placed on spine boards, and carried to the canal’s edge. The first victim, a 66-year-old woman, was suffering from chest pain and discomfort. The second victim, aged 65, complained of neck and left shoulder pain, as well as chest tightness. Both women were responsive and conscious during the rescue. After being freed from the vehicle, both women were swiftly transported to Mae Chai Hospital for further medical evaluation. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. Pictures from responders. -- 2024-10-23 -
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Modified Pickup Crashes Into Utility Pole, Driver Killed on Impact
What mods did the pickup have ? -
2
Putin’s Propaganda Chief Boasts of Russian Influence on U.S. Elections
Russia Russia Russia DA DA DA! -
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New place to check out - Can Tho, Mekong
Stayed a night way back in 2013.... I recall the ppl were friendly and helpful. Hearing lots of good things lately about Can Tho as a retirement base, maybe 'cause cheaper than HCMC? -
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Putin’s Propaganda Chief Boasts of Russian Influence on U.S. Elections
Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the state-controlled media outlet Russia Today (RT), recently made bold claims about Russia's ability to sway U.S. public opinion and, in turn, influence American politics. Simonyan's remarks, which aired during a Russian TV appearance, revealed the extent of the Kremlin’s media strategy not only within Russia but also abroad, particularly targeting the United States. Simonyan's comments come at a sensitive time, with U.S. voters preparing for the November 5 presidential election. Fears of Russian interference have been heightened, especially after the U.S. government explicitly accused Russia of disseminating disinformation aimed at disrupting the American electoral process. Last month, two RT employees were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), further fueling concerns about Russia's meddling in U.S. politics. Simonyan, however, seemed undeterred by these accusations. On Russian TV, she boasted of RT’s "electorally significant influence on the opinion of the [American] people," essentially affirming the U.S.'s fears of Russian involvement in their electoral process. Kremlin propagandists are believed to favor Donald Trump's candidacy, but their overarching goal is to stir division and distrust within the American electorate. Last week, the U.S. State Department even offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on foreign nationals interfering in U.S. elections, underscoring the gravity of these concerns. When contacted by Newsweek for comment, Simonyan’s response was laced with sarcasm. “You caught us,” she quipped. “RT is waging a campaign for Americans to elect Vladimir Putin as their next president." Her tongue-in-cheek reply did little to obscure the seriousness of her previous remarks, especially when American journalist Julia Davis, through her organization Russian Media Monitor, highlighted Simonyan’s television interview on her X (formerly Twitter) account. During the interview, Simonyan acknowledged the growing efforts by American authorities to curb RT’s influence, particularly in relation to its portrayal of the Ukraine conflict. She claimed the U.S. government had accused RT of undermining international support for Ukraine, hinting that the media outlet’s success in this regard had been recognized. "I don't think there can be a better recognition of achievements by the employees of Russia Today," she said with a smile. She even told her staff that “their lives were well spent” if the U.S. State Department believed their work had influenced the reduction in military and financial support for Ukraine. Simonyan further described RT’s continued influence in America despite attempts to shut them down. "In America, we had an electorally significant media,” she said. “We were broadcasting to America... People would watch this and say, 'I didn't know this!'" Her words carried an unsettling undertone as she warned U.S. officials that Russian propagandists would not relent. “They were losing it, because they would close the door to us and we would get in through the window,” she said, adding that if they sealed the windows, they would find a way through the vents or even "crawl in through the pipe." As Russia tightens its grip on domestic media, Simonyan's comments illustrate how the Kremlin views propaganda as a powerful tool not only for controlling its own narrative but also for influencing international political landscapes. Based on a report from Newsweek 2024-10-23 -
0
Harris Holds Narrow Leads in Key Battlegrounds, Trump Ahead in Others
With just two weeks left before Election Day, a new poll reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris holds slight leads over former President Donald Trump in four crucial battleground states, while Trump is polling ahead in two others. The Washington Post-Schar School survey, released Monday, focused on seven pivotal swing states that are expected to determine the outcome of the election. Among likely voters, Harris is leading in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, while Trump holds a slight edge in Arizona and North Carolina. In Nevada, the two candidates are locked in a dead heat, each receiving 48 percent support. In Georgia, Harris is polling at 51 percent, compared to Trump’s 47 percent. The state, which President Joe Biden narrowly won in 2020, has been a focus of Harris’s campaign, with the vice president spending a considerable amount of time there. The results also show Harris leading in Wisconsin, where she has 50 percent support to Trump’s 47 percent, and in Michigan, where she holds a slim 2-point lead over the former president. The Democratic governors of these states, Tony Evers of Wisconsin and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, have been actively campaigning on Harris’s behalf in an effort to maintain Democratic control. The contest in Pennsylvania is particularly tight, with Harris leading Trump by just 49 percent to 47 percent. Pennsylvania's 19 electoral votes are highly coveted, and both campaigns are fighting hard for every vote, knowing that the state is likely to be one of the most fiercely contested in the country. Meanwhile, in Arizona, a critical state that Biden narrowly won in 2020, Trump is polling ahead of Harris by 49 percent to 46 percent. Immigration has become a central issue in Arizona this election cycle, and Trump has made significant efforts to regain his support there. Trump also leads in North Carolina, where he is polling at 50 percent to Harris's 47 percent. Both candidates are expected to make appearances in North Carolina soon, especially after the western part of the state was hit by Hurricane Helene. According to an aggregation of polls from The Hill and Decision Desk HQ, Harris holds an overall lead of just 1.5 percentage points over Trump in these swing states. The Washington Post poll was conducted from September 29 to October 15, surveying 5,016 voters across the seven swing states. The poll has a margin of error of 1.7 percentage points, suggesting that the race remains highly competitive and could shift in the final days before the election. Based on a report from the Hill 2024-10-23 -
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China Live Fire Military Drills Raise Tensions in the Taiwan Strait
China conducted live-fire military drills in the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday, marking the latest display of military force in its ongoing claim over Taiwan, an island it considers part of its territory. These exercises come amid rising tensions in the region, fueled by China’s discontent with Western support for Taiwan. The drills, which took place near Niushan Island—just 100 miles from Taipei—follow a series of provocative military actions from China. Last week, China launched record-setting exercises to simulate a potential blockade of Taiwan. This was a clear message to the international community, particularly following the transit of American and Canadian warships through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday. Chinese officials criticized the presence of these Western ships, accusing them of "stirring hype" and "undermining peace and stability." Scheduled to last four hours, the live-fire exercises were closely monitored by Taiwan, though officials downplayed their significance. Cho Jung-tai, Taiwan’s premier, dismissed the drills as an empty threat. “No matter the scale of the exercises, there should not be such meaningless shows frequently or near to Taiwan,” he said. “This will only cause sudden and unnecessary tension.” He emphasized that Taiwan’s military was prepared and that there were no concerns about unexpected incidents. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense echoed this calm approach, calling the drills part of China’s routine military exercises. However, it also acknowledged that China might be using the exercises to project a "deterrent effect" in light of recent developments involving Western military presence in the region. While China did not provide a specific reason for Tuesday’s drills, many experts believe they were a direct response to the recent passage of U.S. and Canadian warships through the Taiwan Strait. Shu Hsiao-huang, a researcher at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, suggested that China uses these exercises to signal dissatisfaction with Taiwan-related developments. The ongoing military activities reflect an increase in China’s intimidation tactics. Since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May, China has held two large-scale exercises, equaling the total number held over the previous eight years. China's growing military assertiveness in the Taiwan Strait is part of a broader strategy to pressure the island and its supporters, especially as tensions continue to rise between Beijing and the West. The frequency and intensity of these drills signal that China is determined to send a message about its stance on Taiwan, despite growing international criticism and regional unease. Based on a report from the NYT 2024-10-23 -
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Sexually Assaulted by Al Fayed: Paul Gascoigne's Daughter Reveals in Interview
British model Bianca Gascoigne has revealed that she was groomed and sexually assaulted by the late Mohamed Al Fayed, the Egyptian businessman and former owner of Harrods. The 37-year-old, daughter of England football legend Paul Gascoigne, claims the abuse began when she worked for him as a teenager at Harrods, where she had been hired at the age of 16. In one of the more harrowing accounts, Gascoigne recounted how Al Fayed offered her his Harrods Park Lane apartment to stay in the night before a flight. To her shock, he appeared at the apartment unannounced. "I was just gobsmacked, I was kind of very shell-shocked," she said. She described how he attempted to coerce her into sexual acts, but she managed to escape the situation, noting that knowing her parents might have saved her. "It was horrific," she said. These revelations come as part of a wider investigation following a BBC documentary about allegations against Al Fayed. Since the documentary aired, 60 more accusations of sexual misconduct have been lodged against the businessman, adding to the 21 reports submitted to the police between 2005 and 2023. Al Fayed passed away last year at the age of 94. Harrods has since acknowledged the allegations and stated that more than 250 individuals are part of a compensation process for those affected by Al Fayed's alleged misconduct. Gascoigne shared that she had initially joined Harrods as a shop floor worker, eventually landing her "dream" job as a fashion buyer. Despite her professional success, the shame and fear of losing her job prevented her from telling anyone what was happening, not even her parents. "I didn't want to bring embarrassment and shame," she confessed. She added that Al Fayed's influence over her professional life was one of the reasons she stayed silent. "He told me that if I would say anything that I would lose my job," Gascoigne explained. Gascoigne also revealed that Al Fayed would frequently criticize her father, taking advantage of Paul Gascoigne's well-known struggles with mental health and addiction. "[Al Fayed] used to tell me how much of a bad father my dad was because he used to come into the store drunk," she said, adding that he often referred to her father as "an embarrassment." Al Fayed allegedly manipulated her by positioning himself as a "father figure" and offering her a false sense of security. After recently becoming a mother herself, Gascoigne has decided to speak out, inspired by other victims who have come forward. She said, "I feel like I have to do this, like I want to do this. I want to stand for the women and, you know, hopefully make any kind of change so that in the future my daughter won't have to go through something like this... and these predators won’t be able to get away with what they are getting away with." When asked for comment, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the allegations as "horrifying," acknowledging the bravery of the women coming forward and the severity of the abuse they endured under Al Fayed's employment. Based on a report from Sky News 2024-10-23 -
0
Confronting the Ideology of Terror: A Call to Action
Since October 7, Britain has seen an alarming rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes, sparking deep concern about the state of social cohesion in the country. In one particularly disturbing incident, the Jewish community in Hendon, a north-west London neighborhood, awoke to the shocking sight of a swastika etched into a bunker at a local golf club, accompanied by the words "F--- the Jews" and "Heil Hitler." This targeted attack appeared calculated to intimidate the area’s large Jewish population. The use of swastikas, with their chilling historical connotations, is enough to unsettle anyone. However, what struck me most about this incident was the clear effort involved. The perpetrators did not simply scrawl hateful graffiti in a moment of anger; they broke into the golf club under the cover of night, carefully crafted the symbols, and made their intentions unmistakably bold. This level of premeditation underscores the disturbing fact that anti-Semitic hatred is not confined to online spaces, where anonymous keyboard warriors thrive. Instead, it has now manifested into real-world actions meant to terrorize Jewish communities. This is not an isolated incident. As Jewish people across Britain gathered to mourn the victims of the October 7 terrorist attacks and pray for hostages, they were met with hostility and abuse. In Glasgow, pro-Palestinian protesters hurled blood libels at mourners, calling Jews "reptiles." In Brighton, a man vandalized a Jewish memorial, scattering tributes and tossing away flowers and teddy bears. In London, attendees of a community event were forced to walk past demonstrators shouting anti-Semitic slurs. It is deeply troubling that British Jews cannot mourn their dead in peace. The anti-Semitic vitriol they face has been exacerbated by the failure of public discourse to clearly distinguish between democratic governments and terrorist groups. As extremists have become more emboldened, open displays of support for terrorist organizations have emerged. A man recently attended a pro-Palestinian rally in London holding a sign that read "I love Hezbollah," a blatant endorsement of a group recognized as a terrorist organization by the UK government. This rise in extremism is not an isolated issue. A recent poll revealed that as many as one in ten young people in the UK express sympathy for Hamas, a militant group designated as a terrorist organization. Politicians and law enforcement must urgently address the factors fueling this extremism, taking decisive steps to stem its growth. Law enforcement should enforce a zero-tolerance policy for terrorist support and anti-Semitic hate at protests, while ensuring that UK-based charities do not serve as fronts for extremist funding. The ideology of terror cannot be allowed to thrive in British society. Now is the time for action to prevent these hateful roots from taking hold and to protect the values of peace and tolerance that define the nation. Based on a report from the Daily Telegraph 2024-10-23 -
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Creative Public Proposals on NHS Reform Spark Debate in National Consultation
On the first day of a government consultation aimed at reforming the NHS, the public’s wide-ranging ideas for change caught attention, with some suggestions bordering on the bizarre. These proposals included everything from setting weight limits for nurses to replacing ambulance sirens with healthy eating advice. The consultation, launched by Sir Keir Starmer, aims to spark a “national conversation” on reshaping the NHS, collecting ideas from the public, experts, and NHS staff to guide a 10-year health plan. By the first day, more than 800 suggestions had already been posted. One of the most unusual proposals gaining early popularity was the idea of imposing a "maximum body mass index for nurses," while another focused on raising awareness of "fish odour syndrome." These ideas were removed after the Department of Health was contacted for comment, indicating a moderation process to ensure the consultation’s focus remains relevant. Still, many eccentric suggestions remained, including offering lobotomies to residents of Birmingham and opening hospitals earlier to increase productivity. Another suggestion, described as “serious” but equally impractical, proposed doing away with computers altogether. Despite the flood of unusual submissions, the consultation also drew attention to practical and serious suggestions. Proposals that gained traction included charging patients for missed appointments, scrapping paper letters in favor of digital communication, and enforcing payments from foreign patients or tourists seeking NHS treatment. The idea of fining patients who miss appointments has been floated before, with private healthcare companies like Bupa already imposing such fines. The government has shown interest in this concept, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting commenting that he was “open-minded” to the idea if it could reduce the eight million missed appointments per year. A more controversial proposal advocated for medical insurance for tourists or non-residents seeking treatment in the UK. One former NHS nurse suggested that this insurance could be checked at departure airports or upon arrival, stating, “We all know people do and will travel (with serious health issues and pregnancies) just to utilise our free NHS treatments.” They added that such a measure would help reduce waiting lists and free up resources for UK patients. Other noteworthy ideas included the creation of an NHS pharmaceutical brand to produce generic drugs and a call to stop prescribing items like paracetamol, which some patients may not even use. Sir Keir, speaking at the consultation's launch in east London, emphasized the importance of the public's input. “We want to hear from you and from as wide a number of people as possible, both in the NHS and people who are using the NHS, because this needs to be the once-in-a-generation opportunity for you to put your fingerprints on the future – literally to craft the service that you are working for,” he said. While some of the more unconventional ideas sparked amusement, Wes Streeting took the responses in stride. He joked on social media platform X about one suggestion that the NHS install Wetherspoons in every hospital, saying it was a “great idea, but sadly vetoed by the Chancellor during Budget negotiations.” Another person proposed raising funds by firing him out of a cannon—an idea Streeting swiftly rejected with a laugh. The government has stressed that all ideas will be subject to review and moderation. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care stated, “The online platform has a moderation process in place to ensure that content is removed or hidden in cases where it is clearly inappropriate or irrelevant.” Despite the eccentricity of some proposals, the consultation has successfully engaged the public in discussions on the future of the NHS, showing the importance of a wide range of perspectives in shaping health policy for the next decade. Based on a report from the Daily Telegraph 2024-10-23
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