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Yemeni President Restructures Army, Removes Saleh Cronies
Today's Headlines
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-Lurid Crime Tales-
Sam Donaldson Popped for DUI
Newsman Sam Donaldson is making headlines of his own.

The former ABC News anchor was arrested on suspicion of DUI earlier this month in Lewes, Del., E! News has confirmed.

Per local authorities, on Dec. 1 police stopped the 78-year-old shortly before 8 p.m. following a traffic violation, and an officer determined that the veteran newsman was intoxicated. Donaldson, a resident of McLean, Va., subsequently failed a field sobriety test and was arrested for driving under the influence before later being released.

No word yet on when he's due back in court.

Although Donaldson has officially retired from ABC News, he still occasionally contributes reports and commentary to the network's news programs.
Posted by: Beavis || 12/20/2012 08:26 || Comments || Link || [336094 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The former ABC News anchor was arrested on suspicion of DUI earlier this month in Lewes, Del., E! News has confirmed.

Should have stayed on the ferry and fed the gulls until he sobered up.

Posted by: Besoeker || 12/20/2012 10:49 Comments || Top||

#2  Bush's fault...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 12/20/2012 12:18 Comments || Top||

#3  Irresponsible in reporting; irresponsible in drinking and driving.
Posted by: JohnQC || 12/20/2012 16:00 Comments || Top||

#4  "Sir, is that a squirrel on your head?"
Posted by: Frank G || 12/20/2012 16:49 Comments || Top||

#5  The local news radio calls him about once a week for his take on things. Still a kool aid drinking loon. Or, going by this, maybe it's something stronger...
I wonder if he's still getting his federal subsidy for his "farm"?
Posted by: tu3031 || 12/20/2012 17:24 Comments || Top||

#6  "But I'm not slurring!"

"Yes, sir, that's how we know we know."
Posted by: swksvolFF || 12/20/2012 17:24 Comments || Top||


Barber shop conversation about Connecticut shootings ends with shots fired
[StLToday] A barber shop patron who fired three times at another customer discussing the Connecticut school shooting has been charged with three felonies.

Lester Davis, 57, of the 400 block of Highland Meadows Place is facing charges of first-degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a weapon.

According to police, Davis was at the All Cuts Barber Shop, 102 West Pearce Boulevard, about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday with five other people.

One of the patrons was discussing last week's shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, and commented that the incident "makes me want to murder the suspect," police said.

For unknown reasons, Davis took the comment as a threat and asked, "You want to murder me?" Davis then walked out to his Volkswagen sedan, retrieved a loaded Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol and fired three times in the customer's direction, police said.

Davis said "I'll let you slide," walked out of the barber shop and drove off in his car, police said.

He later turned himself in to police.

According to court records, Davis is a felon, convicted of second-degree homicide and unlawful possession of a weapon in Middlesex County, N.J., in 1975. Records further state he has been involved in numerous verbal altercations with neighbors, resulting in an order of protection being issued against him.
Posted by: Fred || 12/20/2012 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336075 views] Top|| File under:

#1  There ought to be a law to keep violent felons like Davis from having guns. Oh, wait....
Posted by: Glenmore || 12/20/2012 7:43 Comments || Top||

#2  Maybe Davis didn't like his haircut? He asked for a light trim on his Afro and got a buzz cut.
Posted by: JohnQC || 12/20/2012 10:06 Comments || Top||

#3  That Brady law works really well to keep firearms out of the hands of law abiding felons.
Posted by: OldSpook || 12/20/2012 10:34 Comments || Top||


Sword wielding woman arrested at Orlando mosque
ORLANDO, Fla. - A sword-wielding woman was arrested Wednesday morning after she entered a mosque located on the campus of a private Orlando school. Dominique Vianneyte Eloi, 47, was arrested on charges of possession of a weapon on school grounds, disrupting a school function and aggravated assault with a weapon.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Eloi drove onto the campus of Leaders Preparatory School on North Goldenrod Road near East Colonial Drive and North Chickasaw Trail and got out of her car carrying a 2-foot-long sword.

An employee asked the woman what she was doing, but she did not respond, authorities said. Authorities say she didn't speak English and had several identifications on her, including one from Arizona.
Definitely sounds like a nutter...
The school was placed on lockdown, and the school worker called authorities. Deputies spotted Eloi walking out of the mosque, and she was arrested.

"I have no idea who she is or why she chose to come here," said Iman Mohammed Musri, of the Islamic Society of Central Florida. "I tried to speak to her, but she didn't respond to anything, she started speaking German."

No one was injured in the incident.

An investigation is ongoing, and deputies said it's unclear why Eloi went to the campus. It's also not known if she has any ties to anyone at the school or mosque. Jail officials said Eloi, who's being held on no bond, has been uncooperative.
Did they ask her in German?
Posted by: Besoeker || 12/20/2012 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336078 views] Top|| File under:

#1  said it's unclear why Eloi went to the campus.

Looking for Morlocks is my guess.
Posted by: SteveS || 12/20/2012 0:33 Comments || Top||

#2  she started speaking German."
Not your usual response from a black woman.
Posted by: tipper || 12/20/2012 0:52 Comments || Top||

#3  Then she came to the right place, SteveS.
Posted by: twobyfour || 12/20/2012 1:09 Comments || Top||

#4  While she does sound like a crazy person, it might be worth asking whether there's a relation between her craziness and the RoP. Was she a muslim convert who was 'punished' for insufficient submission to Allan or to the males of the cult, for instance?
Posted by: Glenmore || 12/20/2012 7:47 Comments || Top||

#5  Funny, I haven't heard any of the politicos calling for sword control.
Posted by: JohnQC || 12/20/2012 10:44 Comments || Top||

#6  2-foot-long sword

Gladius?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 12/20/2012 12:18 Comments || Top||

#7  Was she wearing white shirt with baggy sleeves and a fez? Did she fall out of a formation of red go-carts ?

Posted by: Besoeker || 12/20/2012 12:23 Comments || Top||

#8  possibly the last barbarian trying to sack Rome. just running a little late ... that's all :-)
Posted by: Raider || 12/20/2012 16:40 Comments || Top||

#9  Mebbe it's a timeline change like in the new Star Trek, SteveS.
Posted by: Dopey Sinatra9196 || 12/20/2012 19:51 Comments || Top||


-Signs, Portents, and the Weather-
Is Santa tracker fracas Blitzen the deliveries?
Posted by: tipper || 12/20/2012 07:51 || Comments || Link || [336067 views] Top|| File under:


Africa Subsaharan
Central Africa Rebels Seize Another Town as France Condemns Violence
[An Nahar] Central African rebels seized a town near the border with Chad on Wednesday, a day after Chadian troops entered the country at Bangui's request to help the army contain the rebel offensive.

The escalating violence drew calls from former colonial power La Belle France for a broad national dialogue.

According to sources on both sides, rebels from the Seleka rebel coalition captured the town of Kabo, near the Central African Republic's northern border with Chad, and were pressing on southwards.

"The attackers have cut all communications with Kabo... which they now control," an official in the regular army told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Seleka commander Djouma Narkoyo also said his men controlled Kabo and were advancing on Batangafo, further south.

The rebels, who threatened to overthrow President Francois Bozize, are still a long away from the capital Bangui, which lies more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) further south, on the southern border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo
...formerly the Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Zaire, and who knows what else, not to be confused with the Brazzaville Congo or Republic of Congo, which is much smaller and much more (for Africa) stable. DRC gave the world Patrice Lumumba and Joseph Mobutu, followed by years of tedious civil war. Its principle industry seems to be the production of corpses. With a population of about 74 million it has lots of raw material...
But they have made extensive gains further east, defeating regular forces to seize a town called Ndele and then covering 150 miles to take control of Bria, a key diamond mining hub in the center of the country.

Bozize, who seized power in a 2003 coup and has been toying with the idea of amending the constitution to seek a third mandate in 2016, invited Chadian troops across the border to help him stop the rebels.

Heavily armed Chadian soldiers arrived Tuesday in Kaga Bandoro, southeast of Batangafo, and linked up with Central African forces.

"We are not afraid of the Chadians and we are determined to fight until the bitter end," he told AFP by phone.

The Seleka coalition accuses Bozize of failing to abide by the terms of several peace deals reached with rebel factions between 2007 and 2011.

Members of ex-rebel group that had been integrated into the army as part of the agreements argue that the government failed to make good on its promise to lift them out of poverty.

French foreign ministry front man Philippe Lalliot said "resorting to violence was unacceptable, especially on the part of groups that are party to" peace agreements with the government.
Posted by: Fred || 12/20/2012 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336066 views] Top|| File under:


Arabia
Yemen Seizes Largest Stash of Cocaine Shipped from Brazil, Report
[Yemen Post] Yemen seized on Tuesday a large stash of drugs which was shipped from Brazil amid thriving trade of drugs and arms in the country, the state news agency Saba reported.

"The authorities at the Hodeida seaport seized the 115 kg of cocaine coming from Brazil, which were concealed inside one of 120 containers of sugar," the agency quoted a security source as saying.

"The drugs quantities appeared suspicious, and while the authorities were checking the sugar cargo, they found the cocaine inside four sports bags inside the container," the source said.

"The largest ever stash in decades was seized after the provincial anti-drugs office discovered the products--made like soaps-- were cocaine".

In recent weeks, the Yemeni authorities have seized several arms cargoes, mainly pistols, in the western port city of Hodeida and the southern port city of Aden and large quantities of domestic and foreign drugs in other cities including the capital Sanaa.

The thriving trade of drugs and arms has been blamed on security disorder coinciding with persistent unrest even as the country is continuing to implement a West-backed power-transfer deal.

Posted by: Fred || 12/20/2012 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336100 views] Top|| File under: Narcos

#1  Qat is the gateway drug to coke?
Posted by: Glenmore || 12/20/2012 7:48 Comments || Top||

#2  this is a little bizarre ... i thought the pathway was the reverse. Drugs flowing out of Yemen. I guess there must be a growing population of addicts in Saudi Arabia, and the coke is getting smuggled thru Yemen.
Posted by: Raider || 12/20/2012 14:10 Comments || Top||

#3  Yemen is a transit point. It could go anywhere. My guess would be across NE Africa and thence to Europe.
Posted by: Pappy || 12/20/2012 18:00 Comments || Top||


Bangladesh
BSF to use chilli bombs at border
[Bangla Daily Star] To tackle illegal activities along the border with Bangladesh, Indian Border Security Force (BSF) will now use a new type of bomb containing world's hottest chilli powder, instead of explosives, reported BBC yesterday.
"Atsa some spicy mitta-bol!"
The initiative has been taken to minimise the incident of border killing, and check illegal entry of smugglers and unauthorised persons, BSF officials claimed.

The BSF authorities call it “Chilli Bomb.”

There will be a thumb-size pocket containing “Bhut Jolokia” or “ghost chilli” powder inside each bomb with a tear-shell like shape. It will explode like a hand grenade and immobilise the suspect.

“Bhut Jolokia” is cultivated in Assam and Nagaland in India's north-east.

BSF officials have already started using the bomb on a trial basis.

It was first made by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Later, the BSF started manufacturing the bomb in their factories using DRDO's formula.

BSF officials claimed that they had long been working to reduce the use of deadly weapons in tackling border deaths. But in their efforts to minimise the casualty, they found that infiltrators were dying even from shots of a light weapon.
Posted by: Fred || 12/20/2012 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336094 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I grow Bhut Jolojias. Anyone want some?
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 12/20/2012 7:58 Comments || Top||

#2  Triniday Scorpion is the new record holder. Along with jolokias it makes a nice mix...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 12/20/2012 12:21 Comments || Top||

#3  Just made a batch of pineapple-ghost chili salsa last night. Keeps ya warm twice!
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 12/20/2012 13:55 Comments || Top||

#4  [BLAZING SADDLES' CAMPFIRE-N-COWBOY-FLATULENCE SCENE here].
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 12/20/2012 20:38 Comments || Top||


Bangla: Stay alert to conspiracies
[Bangla Daily Star] Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
...Bangla dynastic politician and current Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She has been the President of the Bangla Awami League since 1981. She is the eldest of five children of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. Her party defeated the BNP-led Four-Party Alliance in the 2008 parliamentary elections. She has once before held the office, from 1996 to 2001, when she was defeated in a landslide...
yesterday asked the armed forces and civil administration officials, and people to remain alert about the anti-liberation forces' conspiracy against the illusory sovereignty of the nation.

"The anti-liberation forces are trying hard to raise their heads again. They are on a destructive path ignoring the democratic one…their conspiracies will continue.

“I urge the patriotic armed forces, civil administration and the people of the country to remain alert," she said.

The premier made the remarks while addressing the graduation ceremony of National Defence Course and Armed Forces War Course 2012 at Mirpur Cantonment in the capital.

Hasina recalled that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had dreamt of building a strong armed force in 1966.

“He [Bangabandhu] also demanded to establish a military academy, provincial naval headquarters and ordnance factory on this land [at that time],” she added.

The premier said her government had always focused on well-trained and professional armed forces, and kept on increasing the defence budget for the last four years.

She also said her government, during its previous tenure, had established the National Defence College (NDC) as there was no institution for higher training of armed forces officials before 1996.

“This institution has turned into an internationally reputed training organization. It's indeed a matter of pride for the nation,” she added.

Hasina mentioned that new battleships had been procured while the runways were being expanded with the high-tech modern equipment.

Besides, the government was lobbying in international forums aiming to increase the participation of Bangladesh army personnel in peacekeeping forces.

She also said the present government had introduced new medical facilities, and upgraded educational institutions and ration scale for the welfare of armed forces officials and their families apart from strengthening the force.

Food security, energy security, social security, international relationship, control of cyber world, environmental security -- all these are the challenges of the 21st century.

"If any of these securities becomes vulnerable, the national security will be in danger," she added.
Posted by: Fred || 12/20/2012 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336067 views] Top|| File under:

#1  stay alert to conspiracies ... yeah but WHICH ONE? It's like the gourmet table out there :-) By the way Bangladesh, tomorrow (Friday) is the end of the Mayan calendar. Even if the whole world doesn't go off the edge - are you totally sure about your piece of turf? Just sayin'! HAHAHA!
Posted by: Raider || 12/20/2012 14:13 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
SC summons PM's son-in-law over nomination for WB post
[Dawn] The Supreme Court of Pakistain has summoned all records of the nomination of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf’s son-in-law, Raja Azeem-ul-Haque, as an executive director of the World Bank.

Moreover, the apex court also issued notices to Raja Azeem-ul-Haque, Secretary Establishment and Secretary Finance, summoning them to appear before the court.

The SC had taken suo motu
...a legal term, from the Latin. Roughly translated it means I saw what you did, you bastard...
notice of the issue and a three-member bench, headed by Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, was hearing the case here on Wednesday.

Issuing notices to the three parties, the court subsequently adjourned the case for hearing until the second week of January.

Prime Minister Ashraf had appointed his son-in-law to the post by using his discretionary powers, even though some government officials had been critical of the nomination because of Haque’s ‘quick promotions’ within a few years from grade 18 to 21.

According to a report published in Dawn, the finance ministry had also opposed the nomination even though the summary for his appointment was moved by the Economic Affairs Division. Ultimately, the finance ministry had to give in to the wishes of the Prime Minister Secretariat, said the report.

Haque, an officer of the Income Tax Group, was working in grade 18 when the PPP government came into power more than four years ago. He left this job and was hired by the Employees Old-age Benefit Institution in grade 20 about two years ago.

Soon after Raja Pervez Ashraf assumed the PM’s office, he was elevated to grade 21 and has been serving in the Prime Minister Secretariat to date.
Posted by: Fred || 12/20/2012 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336087 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Strict rules laid down for buses
[Times of India.India Times] Announcing strict guidelines for buses and commercial vehicles running on Delhi roads, Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Wednesday told Parliament that vehicles with tinted window panes and curtains will be impounded with immediate effect.

In a drive aimed at ensuring safety of women commuters -- launched after a review taken by Shinde with senior Delhi Police officers and state transport commissioner -- the authorities have made it mandatory for buses and vehicles to keep their lights switched on while plying in the city at night.

Making a fresh statement on the south Delhi gang rape in both Houses, Shinde said a special team under DCP has been set up to monitor the investigation. Besides, a police team with one lady officer will visit Safdarjung Hospital at regular intervals to take stock of the victim's condition.

Following the review taken by Shinde as per a commitment made by him to Parliament on Tuesday, it has been decided that all off-duty buses must be parked with owners.

The Delhi Police shall undertake verification of all drivers and staff of all public transport vehicles. All buses and auto-rickshaws driven by unverified staff will be impounded.

All public vehicles shall compulsorily display driver's licence with all relevant details and photograph, apart from a helpline number for lodging complaints.

Besides, all buses and commercial vehicles found violating the contract carriage conditions or any other permit norms, shall be impounded and their permits cancelled.
Posted by: Fred || 12/20/2012 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336065 views] Top|| File under:


Iraq
Ailing Iraq President to be Treated in Germany
[An Nahar] Iraq's ailing President Jalal Talabani is to be airlifted to Germany for specialist treatment after suffering a reported stroke, his office said on Wednesday.

Talabani was hospitalized late on Monday with what state television
... and if you can't believe state television who can you believe?
reported was a stroke, but doctors said on Wednesday his condition was improving.

"The president's condition is improving, and he will be transferred to a hospital in Germany tomorrow," Thursday, Najm al-Din Karim, one of Talabani's doctors, told AFP.

And Barzan Sheikh Othman, the top media official in Talabani's office, said teams of doctors from Iraq, Germany and Britannia decided that the president should be transferred to Germany for further treatment.

No immediate comment was available from the German foreign ministry in Berlin.

Talabani was hospitalized on Monday night after what Iraqiya state television
... and if you can't believe state television who can you believe?
reported was a stroke, but doctors and officials have not commented specifically about his health problem.

Earlier on Wednesday, Dr Hani Mussa Badr, the director general of Storied Baghdad
...located along the Tigris River, founded in the 8th century, home of the Abbasid Caliphate...
's Medical City hospital where Talabani was being treated, said that "tests showed the stability and improvement of his excellency's health condition."
Posted by: Fred || 12/20/2012 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336067 views] Top|| File under:



Who's in the News
30[untagged]
5Arab Spring
5Govt of Syria
3Govt of Pakistan
2al-Shabaab
2al-Qaeda in Pakistan
2TTP
1Narcos
1Palestinian Authority
1Pirates
1al-Qaeda in North Africa
1al-Qaeda in Iraq
1Ansar Dine
1al-Qaeda in Arabia
1Govt of Iran

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Two weeks of WOT
Thu 2012-12-20
  Yemeni President Restructures Army, Removes Saleh Cronies
Wed 2012-12-19
  Three more polio workers shot in Pakistan; eight dead in 48 hours
Tue 2012-12-18
  Syrian rebels take control of Damascus Palestinian camp
Mon 2012-12-17
  Rebel Offensive In Hama
Sun 2012-12-16
  Rockets Fired on Peshawar Airport, Five Dead, Dozens Injured
Sat 2012-12-15
  Tunisian Salafists attack bar, call drinkers 'infidels'
Fri 2012-12-14
  Coca-Cola resumes its production in Somalia
Thu 2012-12-13
  'Friends of Syria' Recognize Syrian Opposition
Wed 2012-12-12
  Syria Fires Scud Missiles at Insurgents, U.S. Says
Tue 2012-12-11
  North Korea 'launches long-range rocket'
Mon 2012-12-10
  Rebels Seize Chunk of Aleppo Base as Fighting Rages across Syria
Sun 2012-12-09
  Mohammad Ahmed Almansoor Drone-zapped in North Wazoo
Sat 2012-12-08
  Abu-Zaid al Kuwaiti Drone-zapped During Breakfast
Fri 2012-12-07
  6 dead, 450 injured in clashes at Egypt's presidential palace
Thu 2012-12-06
  Two Dead as Egypt Islamists Overrun Opposition Tents

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