As usual bad news has dominated the week. There will have been many events reported around the globe but one or two have risen to the top and received a lot of media attention.

On Tuesday it was the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 Twin Towers terrorist attacks in the US and mayhem descended once more. A pathetic movie produced in America, The Innocence of Muslims, incited violent outbursts around the world. The violence began on September 11, 2012, in Libya. Those who not so long ago wanted the USA to support them turned. Perhaps the "alliance" was always going to end in tears. The US embassy was attacked and four Americans killed.

The violence did not stop there though.

Five days later protests have occurred in much of the Middle East, Australia, France and the UK. In some countries a violent minority prevented peaceful protests. In others it was always going to be violent. At least seven people have died as a result of the protests. It could be said that at least seven people have been killed as a result of a foolish blasphemous film but that is not 100% certain. It is more likely that Muslim activists were looking for a reason and opportunity to rise up.

GOP nominee Mitt Romney tried to use the death of the US ambassador to Libya to gain political advantage. He may have smirked but in the long run it is he who will appear foolhardy.

As the week ended Afghanistan experienced an upsurge in terrorist attacks. Prince Harry now serving in the country remains a prime target for the Taliban. Their mission to capture or kill the Prince could put the lives of others at risk. Three British soldiers and six US soldiers have been killed in the last couple of days in separate incidents. There are also reports that civilians have been killed by NATO forces seeking out the insurgents.

All in all then a country far from peaceful. Most of the Taliban that fled Afghanistan when foreign troops entered the country are waiting in the wings just across the border in Pakistan. When we, the West, finally leave Afghanistan they will enter by another route. Will all the deaths have been for nothing in the end?

The British Government, the Condems Coalition,continues to whittle away at people's income and freedoms. Yet the UK has become embroiled in what is really trivia. The publication of topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge in publications on the continent and in Ireland.

William and Kate are on, what for most of us would be a trip of a lifetime, to Asia. For them it is "just another day at the office" if you see what we mean. William is said to be furious at the topless images and has begun legal proceedings against the French magazine Closer. Whilst we understand his problems we all have so much more to worry us.

Importantly in the UK this week the victims, and their families, of the Hillsborough tragedy finally received an apology and some answers more than 23 years after the event. With confirmation that witness statements had been altered by police, to lay the blame with the fans, heads must surely roll now.

Here's hoping for a more peaceful week around the World.  That said the latest news is that Britain and allied countries are massing in the Strait of Hormuz. It is widely believed that Israel is planning a preemptive strike against Iran. We would prefer to call such an attack what it would be, either an act of war or warmongering.

The West should tread carefully here. Governments are paid to represent the people and few in the UK, for example, have any stomach for war with Iran. Neither would we wish to support a country that commits an act of war.

Stay safe and take care, TTFN

The Eurozone crisis has once again dominated the news, especially in Europe. The week began with the Greek election result. A fairly close run result leaving the people opting for the right wing New Democracy Party and the left wing Syriza party meant that political opposites had to find a way to work together. After a brief period of talks a coalition was formed between the New Democracy Party, the Socialist Pasok Party and the smaller leftist party, the Democratic Left. PM Samaras was hastily sworn in and European leaders breathed a sigh of relief.

The problem with the Greek election was that in the end it turned out to be a vote between supporting the European bail out of Greece and those wanting to renegotiate the deal. All remains far from well in Europe though and in particular in the Eurozone. It is now generally accepted that the EU dream is broken. What it needs to repair it though is disputed, if in fact it is not beyond repair already.

Leaders from Europe and the other G20 countries met in Mexico for more debating yet the world still teeters on the brink. Do expensive summits really solve anything? Are they truly necessary? Are they more a way of justifying their jobs? No sooner was the G20 summit over than leaders went their different ways to the Rio summit and a small faction of European leaders to Italy for more Eurozone summit pre meetings.

The carbon footprint of these world leaders who all want us to spend a fortune to protect the environment is laughable. Perhaps the Green schemes they are pushing for are more about big business and profits.

Syria was discussed by UK PM Cameron, US President Obama and Russia's President Putin as an aside during the G20 summit. The outcome was that in spite of those killed allegedly by the Syrian regime President Assad could be given safe passage out of Syria. Who the rebels are and who would replace Assad.should not e ignored.

Egypt is a prime example of a revolution that has not worked.The old military guard are clinging to power and in danger of preventing a democratic election result forming a government.

The change sweeping through the Middle East although positive may in the end leave a destabilised region. In the equation there is Israel. Will they benefit from this ME power vacuum?

As the week drew to a close Israel broke a brief ceasefire. Their attack it was aimed at militants it was claimed. Cross border strikes between Israel and Hamas had increased and the ceasefire was brokered by Egypt. With protesters back on the streets of Egypt they have enough worries off their own without protecting their borders.

Israeli strikes during the week killed nine people in Gaza including a 14-year-old boy. The attacks were launched by Israel after an Israeli man was killed.

World conflicts rumble on. Something has to give. Will they inevitably lead to one massive conflict, that is World War III? Current conditions are ripe for this.

Till next week, stay safe and enjoy what you have, whilst you still have it.

TEK has decided to go with the fascism warning image once more. In a week that has seen elections at the fore front again political changes can be bad news.  

On Thursday a military panel dissolved the Egyptian parliament heralding an election. With the choice of  the old guard and the military, or the Muslim Brotherhood for many people there is no choice. Those who fought hard to free Egypt from Mubarek must be wondering where they can go from here. Read the attached fascism image and Egypt fits in there perfectly.

Syria has continued to confound the West as the death toll and violence rumble on. By the end of the week the UN Syrian monitoring mission was suspended. The West may berate Russia for allegedly supplying the Syrian regime with weapons but just who is arming the rebel groups?

The West should have no stomach for a further war, especially as that is in reality interfering in a civil war. The west should also not have the money to fund yet more conflict. Of course when it comes to destruction there is always plenty of cash in Western War Chests.

The week begun in the UK with the Diamond Jubilee. The weather had turned from beautiful to dismal a few days earlier and the Thames flotilla contended with heavy rain, mist and a cold nip in the air. As a result Prince Philip was hospitalised. The official announcement claimed that he had a urinary infection but the 90-year-old Prince must have felt the cold during the Jubilee festivities.

The Queen carried on regardless with royal duties. Philip was discharged from hospital June 9 just in time for his birthday celebrations. Today June 10 he celebrates his 91st birthday.

Although the Jubilee celebrations are over a series of programs is keeping the British Royal family in the public eye. A brainwashing exercise once more. Over the years these happen from time to time. It is a way for the Royals to boost their popularity. Perhaps it  is aimed at winning people over before the financial cost of the Jubilee is known. That said it is doubtful the true cost will be revealed. What will have cost dearly is the loss to industry of a long bank holiday weekend and security budgets for the events.

Across the Pond the 2012 US election remains in the news. Mitt Romney appears to be gaining ground and President Obama can no longer be sure of a win. Both candidates have made speeches and promises in an attempt to win over voters. Romney claims that he would arm the Syrian rebels but would he were he President? It is easy to make such statements when in opposition. Perhaps this claim was aimed at winning over voters who oppose another war. After all if the Syrians are armed and all blow themselves to kingdom come it will be problem solved, won't it?

In case you were not sure the above was sarcasm. Arming the Syrian rebels is wrong on all levels and will be non productive in the long term.

President Obama addressed the nation, and the world, trying to distance himself from the European crisis. He was attempting to cover his back if, or should that be when, the EU fails. If that happens economies around the world will tumble and the US must surely experience a little of the fall-out.

Europe though could have more serious worries. The rise of the extreme right in Europe is worrying. This week we have seen a Greek Nazi politician slapping a female socialist politician during a debate. For those who did not know before they are thugs.

EURO 2012 football kicked off late in the week and within a short space of time there were problems. Nazi salutes, swastika flags, racial abuse and fighting with officials has already occurred. Allowing Poland and the Ukraine to host the games was a mistake but the hooligan element of fans would have been in the crowd whoever hosted EURO 2012.

Europeans leaders need to open their eyes. Whilst they posture and preen without resolving the financial crisis the extreme right is thriving. The conditions are perfect for fascists, High unemployment and worthless money is a recipe for disaster. That is what helped fuel the second World War when all is said and done.

Till next week. Boycott EURO 2012 if you are an animal lover. Stay safe and if you are in the UK, stay dry if that is possible.

The week's news in the UK has been dominated by European debt, Syria and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. In such austere times the Jubilee is set to antagonise many across the UK.

Much has been made of the limited cost of events. Today, June 3, 2012, there will be a huge flotilla of vessels, including a special royal barge carrying the Royals, forming a floating pageant on the River Thames. This is said to have been funded by business friends of the Royals. However the cost of the Jubilee as a whole is unknown. Additional security will no doubt be one of the largest expenditures.

After a brief period of hot, hot weather the heavens have decided not to smile on the Queen. The day kicked off with torrential rain with a distinct chill in the air. Die hard royalists and tourists lined the Thames from early Sunday to get a prime position. Yesterday the Queen had a special day at the Derby and the sun shone briefly. Will it today? Doubtful.

For those planning on holding street parties and barbecues the weather is bad news but we Brits are used to challenging weather. Much as the mainstream media would have you believe that all of the UK is celebrating this is not the case. In my neck of the woods the Jubilee is hardly evident at all. There will also be, albeit a small contingent of protesters, evident in London.

The Jubilee may have reinvented the Royals once again and increased their popularity but much of this is for Elizabeth and Philip who have served for so many years. Many people would still prefer an elected head of state rather than one because of their birth. That said we are so much better off than countries with dictators.

People are fickle though. It is not that long ago that the Royal family and the Queen were at an all time low, as far as popularity in the UK went. Remember Diane and the fiasco following her death? Say no more. 

 The UK government has been busily making U Turns this week. So much so that they must have ended up dizzy. It is getting difficult to know just what change is underway there have been so many proposals scrapped. Perhaps it is all a cunning plan so we have no idea what the hell is going on. Well that will put us in line with the Coalition we guess.

Spain is the latest European country on the brink of disaster.  Their problems may be financial but this is inevitably affecting the stability of the region. Massive unemployment which is set to increase further is bad news for all. Banking downgrades have added to Spain's woes. Europe now has Greece and Spain on the brink with France and Portugal hot on their heels.

How much longer can the farce of the EU continue?  In Germany protests June 2, 2012, painted a worrying picture. The rise of Neo Fascism and those opposing these extremists is cause for concern. Violent protests are hitting so many countries across the world right now, which could so easily lead to a total meltdown.

One of the main reasons for such civil unrest is unemployment.  Poverty also but that so often comes along with no work. Ultimately in the past it has been  War that has stopped a rise in both. What a prospect!

Syria continues to confound World leaders. The massacre in Houla May 25, 2012, shocked the world.  President Bashir Assad has denied all responsibility. The West seems keen to want to intervene in Syria but it is not that easy. Just who will be the new leaders should he be ousted? Do the majority of Syrians want violent change?

Of course Russia and the US choose their wars economically. Syria trades with Russia and Bahrain with the US. This means that both dictatorships, Bahrain and Syria, have support from their respective partners. The West remains as hypocritical as ever. China and, North Korea both have terrible track records as far as human rights go. We are virtually powerless to change anything in either country and so turn a blind eye.

In Zimbabwe a tyranny runs the country and we do nothing. Of course you could argue that we did intervene in the past and that is part of the problem with Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia.

Our keenness to step into Syria, albeit more reticent than in Libya, makes you wonder why? Is the prospect of an unstable Middle Eastern region beneficial to the West and in particular the US? Will it help when they finally decide what to do about Iran? After all if there is conflict in the Middle East, Iran will be more isolated. Then of course there is Israel waiting in the wings, wanting a solution once and for all on its problems. A final solution? How ironic.

In the midst of the mayhem there is increasing poverty and an increasing divide between the rich and the poor.

This week's round up of news began with the Jubilee. A blast from the past. A glimpse of medieval England and its pageantry. The British Monarchy for many of us belong to a long gone era. A time when the people doffed their caps to their "betters". Is that what these leaders crave once more?

Till next week, stay safe, enjoy what floats your boat and TTFN, ta ta for now

The western world this week has been in election mode. For the UK it was on the whole local elections and Mayoral ones. The voters who turned out to vote sent a message to Westminster that the current Coalition government are not acting with the people in mind. Both parties of the Coalition, that is the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, suffered heavy losses. As expected the Lib Dems came off worse. Having thrown their hand in with the Tories they have lost most of their popularity. Their ranking in the UK now stands at an all time low. 

The fact that Tory Mayor Boris Johnson was once again elected as London Mayor offered PM Cameron some solace. Cameron jumped on this as a victory but in reality it was a victory for eccentric, tousle haired Boris. It should be remembered that he won not the Tory Party. That said the Tories did not fair too badly in some parts of London.

Once again voter apathy won the day as around 60 plus percent of voters stayed away from the polls. This shows the lack of confidence in our politicians and the system right now. Would more vote in a General Election? Probably but maybe not enough to call the result truly democratic.

Yesterday President Obama hit the campaign trail with his first rally in Ohio. The President admitted that there is work to be done. The GOP with their protracted and at times foolish nominee election have been making headlines all year. Although sometimes this has been for the wrong reasons it is still welcome publicity.

Mr Obama also knows that the US is in a mess right now. Whether it would have been any different under a GOP administration is debatable. There would still have been big losers and big winners. It will be a difficult choice for the US people and hopefully they will make the appropriate choice. It should not be forgotten that at times Obama's hands have been virtually tied as Republicans in government have blocked proposals and legislation. 

Today May 6, 2012 the Greek and French people will decide who will to be their leader. Will France opt for more of the same from Nicolas Sarkozy? Right now it would seem that they will not. Francois Hollande a Socialist candidate appears to be the front runner.When it comes to the crunch though the people may opt for the Right, that is Sarkozy.

Greece looks set to have another Coalition government although this time the main players could be different. The current coalition of the Pasok and NDP have left many Greeks disillusioned and severely out of pocket. Voter apathy could hit the Greek polls too as many people feel there is little point in voting when Europe dictates their legislation. This however could lead to Kammenos, who wants an exit from the EU, to gain ground.

Results will be reported as and when they are announced. Europe is in for an even more testing time and it is important for the people that each government looks after their own countrymen and women. Sleaze and corruption only damage people's opinions of politicians further.

The UK has its Bank Holiday tomorrow, May 7, 2012, and yet more rain is expected. With flood alerts still in operation in some parts of the country the situation remains dire and silly. We are still officially suffering a drought although many crops are ruined under a mountain of water. This will affect the price of groceries and add to inflation concerns.

Yesterday Chelsea won the FA Cup beating Liverpool 2-1. Stadiums across the capital, London, are gearing up for the Olympics. Security checks and preparations continue. These include the possibility of some residents having surface to air missiles stationed on the roof of their property. Understandably this has caused outrage.

The UK lost two of its soldiers in Afdghanistan as the week drew to a close. The MoD website statement announcing their deaths reads:
"It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Corporal Andrew Steven Roberts and Private Ratu Manasa Silibaravi, both of 23 Pioneer Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps, were killed in Afghanistan on Friday 4 May 2012.

Corporal Roberts and Private Silibaravi were attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh Battlegroup, serving as part of Combined Force Burma, when they were killed in an indirect fire attack on Forward Operating Base Ouellette, in the northern part of Nahr-e Saraj district.

Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, said: "It was with great sadness that I learned of the deaths of Corporal Andrew Roberts and Private Ratu Silibaravi, two soldiers who were respected by their colleagues as much for their personalities as for their professionalism and commitment to duty. "They have given their lives defending the UK’s national security in a campaign vital to preventing terrorism from succeeding and spreading; their sacrifice will not be forgotten. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the two families, as well as friends and colleagues left behind."

RIP

Till next week, keep your chin up,ttfn

Tags: TWTWTW, that was the week, that was, election, French election, Greek election, UK coalition, Boris Johnson, Chelsea beat Liverpool

It is hard to believe that it is April 29 in the UK. For that matter it is hard to believe that we are experiencing a drought. This blogger sits here once again as torrential rain lashes at the windows. It is reminiscent of the UK flood of 2007 still so fresh in her memory. The only difference this time is that it is damn cold to boot.

Weather forecasters have been at pains to say though that all of this rain does not m. an that there is no drought. It is a case of too late and too much in some ways. Sodden ground means that plants are now lush but that if the weather does not improve soon many crops will be ruined due to waterlogged ground. Another excuse to increase prices further no doubt.

The bad weather of course adds to the UK doom and gloom. Whilst the authorities may want us to be upbeat about the forthcoming London 2012 Olympics and Queen's Jubilee it is not easy. Having austerity measures thrown at you left right  and centre hardly makes for a period of contentment, does it? Add to this high inflation, pay freezes, job cuts, high taxes such as VAT and we are not going to cheer two costly events scheduled for this year, are we? It could be worse though. If you are a resident of an East London block of flats you may have surface to air missiles stationed on the roof of the flat's tower for the duration of the Olympics. Wonderful.

This week has been more of the same further afield too. More deaths at the hands of terrorists in Nigeria, more unrest in Syria, Afghanistan and the Middle East, more political shenanigans in the US as both sides try to make sure that their man is the President of the USA.

Protests have occurred once again and this time we see news that Canada is experiencing some unrest. When it hits buoyant economies too the writing must be on the wall. 

The UK will go to the local polls this week and it could be time to show the Coalition that we know their way of government is not working. Many people who are totally disillusioned will simply not bother to vote. However, in doing so you can either lead to more of the same, as the Coalition takes it as approval, or a new political worry. The rise of Fascism in Europe is something we should take note of. Dire times often lead to surges for extreme parties. If you only vote to prevent BNP candidates securing any votes do so.

Next week's TWTWTW will be back to service as normal. The longer Bank Holiday weekend will ensure more time. Enjoy the public holiday too as, if some have their way, our public holidays will soon also be cut to the bone.

Thoughts are with the loved ones of the latest  young man from the UK to lose his life in Afghanistan. RIP.

Till next week, stay safe, stay warm and if it is possible stay dry! TTFN

Tags: UK weather, civil unrest, raindrops falling on my head, Middle East, UK elections, US election, TWTWTW, weekly wrap

A belated birthday break in the historic UK city of York meant that TWTWTW was not published last week, but now it is back. Here is your weekly round of news, with a very British slant on it.

Last Weekend UK footballer Fabrice Muamba suffered a heart attack on the pitch a little before the half-time break. Fighting for his life fans paid tribute to Muamba. Perhaps the power of prayer worked for Fabrice, although still recovering, appears to be doing relatively well. This tragedy has led to the UK FA tightening health checks for footballers.

Monday in Toulose, France, a drive by gunman killed four people. The dead included three children. The drive by attack took place in the South of France, the same region where a manhunt had been underway for the murderer of three soldiers. According to Sky News "Around two weeks ago, a parachutist instructor in uniform was shot dead by an assailant riding a scooter using a 9mm gun. And on March 15, two paratroopers were killed and a third wounded when a gunman riding a scooter drove up and shot them as they stood at a cashpoint."  Following these military attacks military personnel were warned not to wear their uniforms when out and about. By the end of the week the gunman was under siege in his family home and ultimately killed by a police sniper.

Tuesday in the UK was budget day. Chancellor George Osborne announced his budget to the House. The commons listened to Osborne deliver his budget for an hour. Hidden beneath the froth was what has been called since a "Granny Tax". The fall-out continued for some days until the government's decision on alcohol pricing ruffled different feathers.

Staff Sergeant Robert Bales was formally charged with the murder of 17 Afghan civilians this Friday. Since the terrible events speculation has continued to grow. Was he the only soldier involved? How could be carry out such a raid on two villages? Is he a scapegoat? Will he receive a fair trial? Will the Afghan people see justice served?

The UK lost another soldier this week, Captain Rupert Bowers,  in Afghanistan which brings our death toll in that conflict  to 405. Six UK soldiers killed earlier in March 2012 were repatriated also.

At last the, what many feel is unlawful, killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida, in February 2012, drew the attention of the world. Finally it seems that the case will receive the notice it deserves and justice could be served.

In the UK the week drew to a close with allegations of Tory sleaze. David Cameron may have promised in 2010 to clean up Party funding but it seems to be "more of the same". Whether it was one man's foolish bravado or business as usual is not truly known. Peter Cruddas resigned within a short space of time and a replacement was quickly put in post. An undercover Sunday Times investigation looked to have let the cat out of the bag. Watch this space on this one. Can dodgy Dave survive yet again?

Spring has arrived in the UK, and we are now running on British Summertime. "Spring forward, Fall back" so it is now lighter evenings. In fact it almost feels like summer already. The weather may not hold but it is a nice taster of what may be to come.

Till next week, Stay safe TTFN.

It has been a funny old week. On a personal level this blogger entered another decade. A few years ago that would have meant retirement in the UK but not now. For her the retirement age is 62 if she can afford to down tools then. Will her sixties be the promised Golden Years or more of the same? Who knows. One thing is for sure she thanks her lucky stars to have reached this ripe old age. 

The UK has been mourning the loss of six young soldiers killed in a single incident in Afghanistan. The eldest was only 33. With my advancing years that seems far too young for life to be over. Yet his five comrades were so much younger. RIP.

The news from Afghanistan seems lately to mostly be bad news and today there has been yet more. This time though it is Afghanistan civilians who have been killed by a lone US soldier. However at time of writing there are conflicting reports that in reality it was more than one drunken US soldier on a killing spree. 

An investigation is underway. If the latter proves to be correct heads must roll. The lives of all foreign nationals in Afghanistan have been put at risk. It is bad enough even if it was just one lone soldier, perhaps mentally unstable, who was responsible for the killings. Where were the sentries? Where was the commanding officer? How could even one soldier leave the camp in the early hours of the morning? The incident left at least 15 civilians dead. The dead included children.

The UK SBS launched a rescue of two men held hostage in Nigeria but sadly the men died. One man was a British national and the other an Italian. The fall out has been recriminations from the Italian government who were reportedly not kept informed of the mission. 

In the UK the Queen began a Royal tour of the UK to mark her 60 years as ruling Monarch. Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge accompanied the Queen and Prince Philip. She is bound to draw big crowds where ever she goes. 

In the US it was Super Tuesday. It seems that the protracted search for a new leader of the Republican Party will never end. If and when it does the American people then face an election for who will occupy the White House as the President of the United States. With all of this taking more than a year Americans must feel that they are constantly in election mode.

The whole kit and kabooddle must be costing a small, or even large, fortune. What a waste of money in such austere times. Priorities it seems are unheard of in the Land of the Free.

Mid week it was International Women's Day. Most of us ladies in the West have come a long way compared to our predecessors. However for women in countries such as Libya and Afghanistan it seems that women's rights are under attack. Let's face it women's rights in some Middle Eastern countries are almost non existent. 

As the week drew to a close in Yorkshire, England a taste of what is to come later in the year was felt. An early glimpse of Spring come Summer lifted moods and generally invigorated we Brits. Gardens were buzzing with lawn mowers and sore backs were the order of the day.

Today it is glorious again but TEK has been remembering the people of Japan as they mark the one year anniversary of that dreadful Tsunami and Earthquake on March 11, 2011. They have come a long way but still have further to travel. Some still hope to one day find out what happened to loved ones listed as missing. Best wishes are sent to the people of Japan.