Finland (Suomi) in ww2

Today I watched a pretty interesting report on a German channel called Phoenix. They reported somehow on forces allied with the Germans in WW2. First they reported lengthy on Moussolini and that his forces got smashed in Stalingrad, thus caused axial defeat in Stalingrad.
Then they turned on Finland (Suomi).
They had many parallels with the Germans and I got to know that they had a certain sysbol before the Germans, the svastika. Finish troups introduced it in 1918 and it looked like this:

Furthermore they presented a tape from Hitler when he held a private talk with a famous Suomi general. Hitler didnt sound like he sounds mostly like on stage. Strong voice, strong intonation. In fact, he sounded more like (...) me. That doesnt mean that Im trying to stress that Im a relative of Hitler, but that he sounded like some average westener - to my total surprise.

Another side story: In the Italian episode Monte Casino was mentioned. In the cloister artefacts of Benedict were stored. The Germans evacuated them and brought them to Rome. Our current pope calls himself Benedict Monte Cassino

Today 65 years ago (31st): SS-massacre of Palmnicken (in the vicinity of Kaliningrad)
ah yeah and fuk nokia

However, the United States provided secret development aid and helped the still non-communist Social Democratic Party in hopes of preserving Finland's independence.

Williamson still kinda queer on 7mio gased jews

ntv-1,3 mio were only brought into the part of the USSR occupied by Germany - jews have furthermore become some kind of replacement-redemption

Germany/Bavaria:Stop the "Meetings"-Ramsauer forbids Denglish

Last week Hein Bloed (stupid) and Ramsauer presented captain Bluebear's funtastic traffic thesaurus

G20 protesters to sue Met Police

A theatre group charged with impersonating police officers at the G20 protests are planning to sue the Metropolitan Police after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges.

Eleven protesters, billing themselves as the Space Hijackers and portraying themselves as the "laughing cavaliers of capitalism", were arrested after they jumped out of an armoured vehicle at the Bishopsgate offices of the Royal Bank of Scotland during the demonstrations in London's Square Mile on 1 April last year. They were charged with impersonating police but the case was dropped after four hearings after the CPS said it had received new information and no longer believed there was a realistic chance of a conviction.

To gasps from the gallery, Blair said we should be proud of the war

Shouts of 'murderer' and 'liar' as the man who took us into Iraq states his case

China freezes contact with US

US-Deal mit Taiwan

China friert Kontakte ein

Aus Protest gegen geplante Waffenverkäufe der USA an Taiwan stoppt China die militärischen Kontakte zu Washington. Das Geschäft hat ein Volumen von 6,4 Milliarden Dollar und umfasst Flugabwehr-Raketen, Militärhubschrauber und Spezialschiffe zur Minenräumung. Nach einem ähnlichen Waffengeschäft 2008 hatte China die Kontakte für ein Jahr ausgesetzt....»

China suspends US military exchanges over arms sales

China has decided to suspend all planned military exchanges with the United States after Washington's announcement of arms sales to Taiwan, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry Saturday.

FM: US arms sales harm cooperation
Comment: US will not give up its Taiwan card More infringements anticipated

With elections looming, NRW's leftparty seeks contact with social dems

NRW-Speakers of leftparty, Wolfgang Zimmermann and Katharina Schwabedisse.

U.S. economic growth jumps 5.7 percent in fourth quarter of 2009

U.S. economic growth jumps 5.7 percent in fourth quarter of 2009

The U.S. economy grew at 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009, stoking hopes for an economic recovery.

The growth was higher than expected, and could give a boost to President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress whose political fortunes are tied to an improving economy. The jump in growth is the largest reported since the third quarter of 2003.

Christine Romer, chairwoman of Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, said it was the "most positive news to date on the economy" in a statement Friday morning.

Romer also credited the $787 billion stimulus package approved last year for some of the growth.

"This broad-based rise in GDP was surely fueled in part by the tax cuts and investment spending in the Recovery Act and other rescue actions, but some appears to be the result of private sector demand returning," she said.

"Both sides can take some blame for a sour climate on Capitol Hill," Obama said during a House GOP retreat, adding that Democrats and Republicans need to be careful in choosing their rhetoric. FULL STORY

Despite testy exchanges, GOPs applaud Obama for meeting

Molly K. Hooper - 01/29/10 06:13 PM ET

Like a boxer after a slugfest, GOP officials expressed respect for the president for being straightforward with them.…

RELATED ARTICLES:

VIDEO: Obama gets testy with Hensarling

Palin continues shots at the National Organization for Women

Obama Sotu

Seriously delinquent

ATRIOS

Mike Konczal has an excellent two-part blog entry on the state of the mortgage market, and it only reinforces my belief that the crisis isn’t over and that both the housing and the banking sectors are going to get much worse.

Konczal describes the government’s HAMP loan-modification program as “a long, stressful process which appears to leave nobody better off”, and highlights this chart:

Obama Tries to Recapture Magic

Obama Tries to Recapture Magic

Analysis: 'Yes, we can' speech, & a dose of reality

• Video: Key moments in speech
• McDonnell responds for GOP
• Vote: How did Obama do?

Davos security chief 'in apparent suicide'

Davos security chief 'in apparent suicide'

O'Reilly explains a hypothesis

O'Reilly: Kidnap Dems, waterboard Pelosi

Students flee OH college after ‘mass killing’ threat against blacks

EU:I was lately very impressed by the English abilities of Mr.Oettinger, the new German commissioner

I was lately very impressed by the English abilities of Mr.Oettinger. Therefore I created this even directer transformation sequence (as farm as it is possible)(English to German).

APPLIED: RUN DMC - KFC - Germany - Quando

Bin Laden tapes another msg- germany presents Afghanistan strategy.

Another bin Laden tape? Dead men tell tall tales.
CNN) -- A new audio tape allegedly from al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden claims responsibility for an attempt to blow up a plane en route to Michigan on Christmas Day and warns the United States of more attacks. CNN could not independently confirm the authenticity of the message, but the CIA has in the past confirmed Al-Jazeera reports on tapes from the al Qaeda leader. --------------------- Note from TruthIsAll: FOX reported on December 26, 2001 that bin Laden was dead. But they have reported recordings from him ever since: Fox News: "Bin Laden Already Dead" Wednesday, December 26, 2001 Usama bin Laden has died a peaceful death due to an untreated lung complication, the Pakistan Observer reported, citing a Taliban leader who allegedly attended the funeral of the Al Qaeda leader. "The Coalition troops are engaged in a mad search operation but they would never be able to fulfill their cherished goal of getting Usama alive or dead," the source said. Bin Laden, according to the source, was suffering from a serious lung complication and succumbed to the disease in mid-December, in the vicinity of the Tora Bora mountains. The source claimed that bin Laden was laid to rest honorably in his last abode and his grave was made as per his Wahabi belief. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,41576,00.html

I dont know. If I summarize at current, it goes like this:
a)We had 911 as the initial.
b) We had Iraq2 as a supposed collective to unite the western world behind 1 aim.
c) This aim wasnt accepted for example by France and Germany:
d) If I mind, I think certain NWO forces new already in the end of 2001 that most resources would be needed to unite the allied behind Iraq2.
e)Oussama Bin Laden got his free pass back then as an ever luring danger so Iraq2 would appear more useful as counter means. Oussama wasnt killed by the Mountain Rangers and only because Bush said so.
f) The idea that Iraq2 would serve as means to stop Muslim radicalization was a total failure.
g) They didnt catch Oussama in Tora Bora intentionally, because Bush & Co were in danger to have a real intellectual opposition at their asses for example big demos against Iraq2. In fact they needed Oussama as the big bad head of it otherwise being pressed in the role of the bad guys or maybe having some "Muslim Jesus" there who might accuse of illicit measures. They were in fact in danger of bein' grilled by the pope or whomsoever.
h) Oussama's audio tapes since then are the best proof, that he could have founded instead a kindergarten in Saudi Arabia ever since dec 2001.
i) The direct effects of the Iraq war are disastrous, for example a high oil price.
j)I guess the US can be blackmailed by Iran permanently because 100000 men are in danger of bein nuked.
k) This coalition of the willing thing comes down to the US and UK.
l) Iraq2 is a foreign relations joke.
m) They had this Afghanistan conference in 2001.It wasn't even Jalta style, it was more like Helsinki accords(KSZE). Balanced, free and positive. And the only thing they wanted with this 911-Iraq2 combo is that they wanted a short cut. 'We show you there how nice shock&awe works in Iraq and hey, then we do so, too, in Afghanistan.'
o) hey, now this hillarious short cut doesn't exist and our NWOties can occupy the Afghan mountains with 100 nations.
p) in short:they wanted to reform intervention policies and got now a helluva bitch hole disaster.

New (German) Afghanistan-Strategy confuddling

Merkel wants 2 stay, Westerwelle wants to return troops 2011

Not only that the German govt calls in 4 DIFFRENT PRESS CONFERENCES after its talks about the new Afghanistan strategy, furthermore it seems like that it isnt united on one 1 position.

Whreas Merkel wants to raise the number of soldiers for 850 men and Merkel intends to double forein aid 2 Afghanistan, lib dem head Westerwelle explains himself lengthy on a retreat from Afghanistan. It should start by 2011.

...»

Schwarzenegger:the 20,000 inmates that are illegal immigrants that are here and get them to Mexico

I heard they had a great start into the new year in Mexico.I think it's only responsible Schwarzenegger uses the situation to stabilize the country even more by sending in some serial rapists and Madoffs and US-amok-chainsaw-killers. Finally, its maybe time to remind Mexico of its Christian responsibility and plant some Gitmo suiciders there.BTW, it's inmates who are here and not inmates that are here.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested California could ease its crowded prison system by sending thousands of undocumented inmates to specially built jails in Mexico.

Speaking to reporters at the Sacramento Press Club, Schwarzenegger said California could ease its strained finances by a billion dollars if 20,000 illegal immigrants currently held in the state were housed across the border.

"I think that we can do so much better in the prison system alone if we can go and take, inmates for instance, the 20,000 inmates that are illegal immigrants that are here and get them to Mexico," Schwarzenegger said.

Saddam Hussein's cousin Ali Hassan al-Majeed, known as Chemical Ali, was executed Monday, Iraqi state TV says.

BAGHDAD – Iraq's government spokesman says Saddam Hussein's notorious cousin "Chemical Ali" was executed Monday about a week after being sentenced to death for the poison gas attacks that killed more than 5,000 Kurds in 1988.

News of the hanging came shortly after three suicide car bombs struck downtown Baghdad. It was not immediately clear whether the attacks were linked the execution of Ali Hassan al-Majid.

Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh confirmed the execution took place.

Al-Majid — widely known as "Chemical Ali" for the gas attacks — was convicted on Sunday for ordering the poison gas to be dropped on the Kurdish town of Halabja in 1988 as part of a campaign against a Kurdish uprising.

It was the fourth death sentence against him for crimes against humanity.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Saddam Hussein's notorious cousin "Chemical Ali" was executed Monday, said Iraq's government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh.

G.O.P. Seeks to Widen Field of Play in Fall Elections

yah, the wheel of fortune. ikmportant means in gop politics

G.O.P. Seeks to Widen Field of Play in Fall Elections

By ADAM NAGOURNEY and CARL HULSE

Analysts say more House and Senate seats will be up for grabs in November as Republicans lure new candidates into more races.

Haiti's official death toll eclipses 110,000

Haiti's official death toll eclipses 110,000



Haiti's government has ended the search and rescue phase of the quake relief effort after two people who spent 10 days buried under rubble were pulled out alive and the death toll soared to more than 110,000.

The United Nations said 132 people had been saved from debris but that "the government has declared the search and rescue phase over.

"There were 132 live rescues by international search and rescue teams," the UN's Organisation for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs added in its latest situation report on the relief effort. Related article:Aid brings relief for some

Saudi: Bodies of 20 soldiers found on Yemen border

Oussama Bin Laden was born in Jemen. Besides, he just took responsibility for the X-MAS bombing via an AUDIO TAPE
Saudi: Bodies of 20 soldiers found on Yemen border

Saudi Arabia's assistant defense minister said Saturday that the bodies of 20 of the 26 soldiers reported missing were found on the border, raising the toll for the fight against Yemen's Shiite rebels to 133.

• Obama's State of the Union agenda: Yes, I get it AP – Sat Jan 23, 7:37 pm ET

Chavez may nationalize more easily

mh-mh- Nationalizing Casino stores while having double the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia. Well, ah, fists up for Hugo Chavez

Inflation-fighting in Venezuela

Chavez may nationalize more easily

Venezuela oil 'may double Saudi Arabia'

Chavez seizes foreign store

Germany: Bavaria: Huber has been deceived

german ntv

Hypo Alpe Adria: When it was weak, Tilo Berlin bought cheap shares which it sold then to Bavaria. Thru this process, Bavaria lost 3.7bio€. Well I doubt back then minister of finance in Bavaria Huber didnt know about the deal. I mean, ok, he says so.

Health and MA

But, more than that, Paul Krugman is practically a communist so it would never happen.
That's a joke, of course. I'm so old I can remember when Krugman was a pretty standard "sensible centrist." I don't think his views have changed all that much on things, though I'd say he's grown more skeptical about conservative arguments and largely ceased swatting flies to the left of him. But the center, as defined by Villagers, has shifted so far to the right in the past few decades...

I dont know the only thing I can grasp is that someone really attacked Obama lately, maybe someone from the nytimes. And today Obama stood up to this supreme court decision, because it was way off. I mean I dont say Obama lets things sway. As long as he got control. U know, righties mostly check if u got control. Because they like to have control also.And MA happened u know. Today some arsehole wrote Lefties forgot Masschusetts. Maybe we did. But the thing is, we got these medical insurers who maybe paid 300 mio to Mr.Brown and not to Martha Coakley. And then, its all kinda sad.Because Mr.Roberts of the Supreme court just said, hey great, they did so, because they got an interest in it. Hey, I always act out of intention also, bitches.

Obama vows "forceful, bipartisan response" to campaign finance decision

We’ve been making steady progress. But this week, the United States Supreme Court handed a huge victory to the special interests and their lobbyists – and a powerful blow to our efforts to rein in corporate influence. This ruling strikes at our democracy itself. By a 5-4 vote, the Court overturned more than a century of law – including a bipartisan campaign finance law written by Senators John McCain and Russ Feingold that had barred corporations from using their financial clout to directly interfere with elections by running advertisements for or against candidates in the crucial closing weeks.

After a week of setbacks for Democrats and progressive causes, President Barack Obama took to the airwaves this morning to attack the Thursday Supreme Court decision that lifted restrictions on corporate spending in elections, sounding a populist alarm and vowing to work with Congress to formulate some sort of legislative response.

When this ruling came down, I instructed my administration to get to work immediately with Members of Congress willing to fight for the American people to develop a forceful, bipartisan response to this decision. We have begun that work, and it will be a priority for us until we repair the damage that has been done.

Germany: minister for family Coaler doesnt like to stress tradition

link

civil rights

Biden: U.S. to appeal dismissal of charges against 5 Blackwater guards accused of killing 17 in Iraq.

Google brothers have to sell

I still dont know why but Id call it Bush
I still dont know why but Id call it Bush

JF Kerry defends our rights

huffingtonpost

(Berlusconi) drafted a decree that would mandate the vetting of videos for pornographic or violent content uploaded by users to such sites as YouTube

MILAN — Silvio Berlusconi is moving to extend his grip on Italy's media to the freewheeling Internet world of Google and YouTube.

Going beyond other European countries, the premier's government has drafted a decree that would mandate the vetting of videos for pornographic or violent content uploaded by users onto such sites as YouTube, owned by Google, and the France-based Dailymotion, as well as blogs and online newsmedia.

Google, press freedom watchdogs and telecom providers are among those pressing for changes in the draft to prevent the fast-track legislation from taking effect as early as Feb. 4. They say the decree would erode freedom of expression and mandate the technically burdensome – maybe even impossible – task of monitoring what individuals put on the Internet.
(For idots, Berlusconi and others: Our communist Chinese friends summarized what the internetr is:)

The Internet originated on American soil. In 1969, the Advanced Research Projects Agency of the US Defense Department established the world's first testing packet-switched network (PSN) to connect four universities on US soil. The world saw a remarkable expansion of the scale and number of Internet users from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. In September 1989, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) was founded with a grant from the US Department of Commence to administer the Internet terminal server. Over the past 40 years, the US has been dominating the world Internet as the core technique holder with an inherent advantage of being the cradle of the Internet.

There are 13 terminal servers in the world to keep the Internet running, with a master server and nine of the 12 secondary servers stationed in the US. In terms of technique, the network of a country will disappear from the world Internet if its domain name registry is blocked or deleted from the terminal server. This kind of conduct is not legally binding with the law of any country except ICANN. In April 2004, Libya was unseen on the Internet for three days after the collapse of the domain name registry of the country "LY" caused by a domain administration dispute.

Concerns about the US monopoly of the domain name server (DNS) system grew among other nations as much as their reliance on the Internet for issues ranging from politics and the economy to defense and the general society. Years ago, there was a proposal that the Internet be administered by the United Nations or under international cooperation. The European Union insisted that the World Wide Web is an international resource that should be jointly managed by all nations. Some developing countries pointed out that at the early stage of Internet development, developed countries seized large amounts of domain names, leaving a limited few for them, and demanded a share with the US over Internet administration. American officials opposed the suggestion.

The US Defense Strategy Review in March 2005 stated that Internet space should have the same priority as continental, marine, aerial and outer space jurisdictions for the US to maintain a decisive superiority. A statement from Washington on June 30, 2005, made it clear that the US government would maintain its control over the DNS indefinitely; stating that a transfer of its management to UN or international cooperative models would impede the free flow of information, lead to easy manipulation of the Internet and make global supervision more difficult.

In an attempt to thwart the World Summit on the Information Society held in Tunis in November 2005, then US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice wrote to then European Union president and British foreign minister that her government in Washington backed Internet administration and coordination by ICANN (an alleged NGO which is actually a quasi-government organization with the US Department of Commerce). Rice said management by private corporations would guarantee the safety and stability of the Internet, while the alternative choice of an inter-government mechanism would be an obstacle to Internet development. At the same time, the US Congress passed a bill by a vote of 423 to zero urging a manifesto by the White House that American control over Internet is inviolable. US Rep. John Taylor Doolittle, a Republican from California, said the United States invented the Internet and described it as a gift to the world based on American taxpayers' money. He said he opposed any move to transfer the country's control to the UN.

The control of the Internet plays a strategic role for US. Using the internet, the US can intercept information via the net, export US values and opinions, support a "Color Revolution", feed the opposition powers and rebels against anti-US governments, interfere with other countries' internal affairs and make proactive attacks on enemy's communication and directing networks. James-Adams, a famous military forecaster, wrote in his book, The Next World War, these words: "The computer is the weapon for the future war and there is no virtual front line, as the traditional battle and the byte will take the bullet's role to grab control of the air."

Internet: New shot in the arm for US hegemony

'Guys and Dolls' actress Jean Simmons dies at 80

'Guys and Dolls' actress Jean Simmons dies at 80

Obama blasts Supreme Court campaign finance ruling

Impeach Roberts today!

Obama blasts Supreme Court campaign finance ruling

AP – 58 mins ago

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Saturday sharply criticized a Supreme Court decision easing limits on campaign spending by corporations and labor unions, saying he couldn't "think of anything more devastating to the public interest." He also suggested the ruling could jeopardize his domestic agenda. Full Story »

Olbermann: Court ruling makes every politician 'a prostitute'

Lafontaine quits his job as leftparty head

German n-tv

Leftparty head Lafontaine will quit his job as party head and will quit German parliament. This was confirmed by party circles according to statements by dpa. THe 66-year old wont candidate again on the party summit in Rostock in the mid of may. There were such rumours along a board meeting in Berlin in which Lofontaine took part for the first time since his cancer operation.

"Nobody is irreplacable"

Lafontaine announces retreat

Linkspartei-Chef Lafotaine wird nicht erneut als Parteivorsitzender kandidieren. Aus gesundheitlichen Gründen werde er nicht erneut kandidieren, gibt Lafontaine in Berlin bekannt. ...»

Obama has new sources of income

bbc:Bank stocks decline on Obama bold plans

Banking shares have dropped following President Barack Obama's far-reaching plans to curb the activities of the biggest banks in the US.

Barclays shares dropped 4% and the Royal Bank of Scotland fell by 2.9%. German and French banks also declined.

US shares also opened lower. Stocks such as Bank of America and American Express dropped for the second day.

Mr Obama - who said he was "ready for a fight" with banks - plans to limit their size and restrict risky trading.

"Never again will the American taxpayer be held hostage by banks that are too big to fail," Mr Obama said.

Japan's Nikkei closed at a three-week low, after the US Dow Jones industrial average had its worst fall since October.

In Europe, Deutsche Bank on Friday fell 4.3%. Societe Generale dropped 6%.

Politicians in the UK were quick to sign up to Mr Obama's proposals.

The Treasury said it would consider the US bank reform plans "very carefully," while City Minister Lord Myners said the US proposals were "very much in accordance with the direction we have been setting".

The government has recently focused mainly on tackling bankers' large bonuses - a source of public outcry - with a one-off "super-tax" and other measures.

Meanwhile, the Financial Services Bill is making its way through Parliament, aiming to give the Financial Services Authority more powers to regulate banking behaviour.

It would also force banks to hold more money in reserve, as well as creating a new Council for Financial Stability, which is intended to consist of Treasury, Bank of England and FSA officials.

But none of the planned legislation goes as far as what the US president has now proposed.

Germany:Lib Dems and saving money

The original German broadcast can be viewed here



So let's get from greed to the lib dems.
It should be sheer coincidental cause the lib dems were all 'bout saving money ahead of the election.
It's this 400 pages strong saving money book Guido Westerwelle used during his election campaign called liberal savings book 2009.
It contains 400 suggestions how the German govt can save money,
so it is about ministries the lib dems got right now, too
(that means that the saving advices are now concerning ministries controlled by the
lib dems after the election)
and how to save money there.
(The savings volume is) 10.5bio euros in total
Our authors made the effort to check thru this book
and check whether certain suggestions had been put into reality
Doing so they recognized that the lib dems are also capable of doing certain tricks.
Politics can be so funny.
Who knows it better than Gudrun Kopp of the lib dems.
For 4 months now she is a secretary in the ministry for foreign development.
She celebrated new year in her hometown in eastern Westphalia.
Kopp:"At the start of feb I'll do my first journey.
I'll travel to India.
I will visit German water projects."
This is her new chief, minister of development Mr Niebel.
He is of cuz lib dem also.
Kopp will sit next to him on the govt bench in parliament.
One secretary (in the development ministry) should be killed.
This was a demand by the lib dems ahead of the election.
Thus 125000 euros would have been saved.
But this is the past.
Kopp:"Im saying -a bit egocentered-I'm worth the money.
My center is performance."
reporter:"But if u say ahead of the election u gonna (kill) a secretary
and u don't do so after the election don't u lie?"
Kopp:"Ahead of the election and after the election - we are the last ones
who can be accused of not keeping our promises"
The lib dems had 400 suggestions for cuts.
It had a sum of 10.5 bio euros.
During the election campaign Guido Westerwelle never became tired to stress that
he's proud of his suggestions 2 save money.
Westerwelle:"If u ask whether the lib dems got great suggestions how the German budget can become stable again I tell u yes, we got these suggestions as the lib dems (waves the saving book).
We added 400 suggestions - 400 cuts how the German budget can become more healthy."
But -actually- what did the lib dems put into reality in this year's German budget?
Prof Wiegert is an advisor to the German govt.
He is a member of the social dems.
Though he still supports the lib dem suggestions for cuts.
So this broadcast went to Mr. Wiegert and suggested to Mr. Wiegert to check whether certain suggestions became reality.
Wiegert:"Nothing has been put into reality of these suggestions."
So one secretary should have been killed in the ministry for foreign affairs which is (bein) led by Mr. Westerwelle (according to the book).
COHERENTLY
Because Mr. Westerwelle complained loudly about Mr. Steinmeier gettin' a new secretary in 2007.
Westerwelle: "Willy Brandt only had two secretaries.
Hans-Dietrich Genscher only had two secretaries.
Joseph Fischer only had two secretaries.
Do u estimate yourself bein so much weaker Mr. foreign minister? to need 1 more?
This is only ridiculous."
Wiegert: "He also took a third secretary.The situation didnt change in comparison to Steinmeier."

German minister zuGuttenberg about new troops to Afghanistan: Nothing can be excluded

Sounds like he's bein' blackmailed.haha. Well, enthusiasm is such an important factor concerning humanitarian missions
Guttenberg zu Afghanistan-Einsatz

"Es ist nichts auszuschließen"

Germany: Hypo real estate intends to dump papers worth 210bio€ in a bad bank

Imagine that! They really got bad assets worth freaking 210bio€. Unbelievable
German NTV

health

Pelosi: House lacks votes to OK Senate health bill

Trijicon

Well, Im not exactly sure whether Muslims dont brand their swords but thats fine
yahoo
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Biblical citations inscribed on U.S.-manufactured weapon sights used by New Zealand's troops in Afghanistan will be removed because they are inappropriate and could stoke religious tensions, New Zealand said Thursday.

The inscriptions on products from defense contractor Trijicon of Wixom, Michigan, came to light this week in the U.S. where Army officials said Tuesday they would investigate whether the gun sights — also used by U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq — violate U.S. procurement laws.

Australia also said Thursday its military used the sights and was now assessing what to do.

Trijicon said it has had such inscriptions on its products for three decades and has never received complaints about them before. The inscriptions, which don't include actual text from the Bible, refer numerically to passages from the book.

New Zealand defense force spokesman Maj. Kristian Dunne said Trijicon would be instructed to remove the inscriptions from further orders of the gun sights for New Zealand and the letters would be removed from gun sights already in use by troops.

?Supreme court flips?

?a flip? That's politely interesting. What is so inappropriate about spending rules?

Big businesses and unions now have a freer hand to try to influence elections after the Supreme Court eased restrictions on how they can spend on political campaigns. FULL STORY

• Court flips 100 years of limits

John Edwards had child with mistress

John Edwards had child with mistress

Mongolia intends to import 20000 male Turks

Mongolia intends to import 20000 male Turks

Euro falls to $1.4083 amid Greek debt worries

Yeah, Merkel is in office for 5 months and since then its falling.ahahahaha.Ok. Probably it got other reasons
news.yahoo

FRANKFURT (AP) -- The euro continued to fall against the dollar Thursday as uncertainty over Greece's debt problems continued to weigh on the common currency.

The 16-nation euro bought $1.4083 in European morning trade, down from the $1.4108 late Wednesday in New York. The euro has not fallen to those levels in more than five months.

The British pound traded at $1.6191 compared with $1.6287, while the dollar bought 91.67 Japanese yen from 91.21 yen late Wednesday in New York.

Europe is gripped by concerns over debt levels for some of the weaker members in the eurozone, particularly Greece and Ireland, fueling speculation that they will face tough fiscal measures, such as spending cutbacks and higher taxes, that would limit growth in coming years.

Germany: Anti-monopoly: Bruederle attacks German post

I mean I am principally supporting anti-monopoly. Despite, the world would be better. (Actually, I never got this Reagan idea, why it is right wing to kill state companies-but I really dont get it - so never mind)
Lib Dems trigger German Post

Germany: Thunderstruck in parliament

I'm nerved since 20 years by learning that I speed up the economy thru tax cuts. If I lower the taxes for the rich, I'll sell 1 Rolls-Royce more. I have to maximize mass consumption. Critics will say that the only thing that will happen then is that much more Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers will be sold. But in effect, Merkel doesn't speak of much more than reveneue or thruput. If she likes to have more thruput, just double the welfare.

Beck suspects Brown of total prohanity

For me, Brown is an ultra-showtie. I mean they accused Cloakey of lackluster campaign. But I think we would have submerged in a whirl of total prophanity with no possible counter-measures

rawstory

Supporters of Senator-elect Scott Brown winced as he offered up one of his daughters as "available" in his victory speech Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, Glenn Beck took to his radio program to sharply criticize Brown's remarks. The controversial host suggested that Brown needed to be "monitored" because "this one could end up with a dead intern."

"I want a chastity belt on this man," Beck said. "I want his every move watched in Washington. I don't trust this guy. This one could end with a dead intern."

McCain's Country First PAC launches 'Seat Him Now' petition
Washington (CNN) – Sen. John McCain is wasting no time trying to get his newest Republican colleague, Sen.-elect Scott Brown of Massachusetts, seated and voting in the in the chamber.
(?Brownie a killer?)

Germany: Merkel in first debt day instead of first school day

artist atax

Kanzlerin Merkel "clears" in front of parliament: debts need to be made , saving money starts 2011, the tax reform will though start out and only "new thinking" can lead the country out of crisis. THe opposition calls it a total failure. The frontiers are defined - and lib dems and conservatives find some common trajectory. ....»

Obviously Merkel is conscious of the idea that politics can be high art. The chancellor presented herself in the parliament during the general budget discussion as an artist who is able to unite the most explicit conradictions in her policies. She said literally:

"Growth and debt reduction can be united."
" Only us is able to perform this high art as such as we govern."
The opposition was meanwhile screaming and cursing in the parliament.
She was sure of the laughs out of the ranks of the opposition as well as clapping out of her ranks.

She furthermore suggested a lean state. She said if there is no lean state there will be a lack (of whatsoever).
Steinmeier spoke of a conservative-lib dem fantasy land (Disney land).

SK threatens preemptive warfare against NK

German NTV

Germany: I suspect also that we'll see from 9th may onwards more lead in the air

I mean if u borrow 86 bio € and u dont pay it back the bank will take care for the lead. Till payday then its upto u to spread. I mean insofar Schaeuble got half a year till 2011.

Germany:Illegal donations via deceased people

Illegal donations via deceased people

Schreiber talks a bit

Arms lobbyist Schreiber explains in front of court how the bribery towards the christ socials (for example) worked: The payments were small and undetectable and were given cash as "party donations " or being pait into a number account in Switzerland. As names of donators served the names of deceased people.....»

Democrats distanced themselves from Martha Coakley

I think Coakley is valued a bit too hard. I think the dems suffer a bit from the "u achieve nothing" syndrome. The point is, with Coakley not winning, its more probable the health reform wont get thru. Insofar, the criticism is not totally wrong because one should have taken the situation more seriously. But then, its still way too hard, because u never know where u are with the GOP. Ok, its a 53 to 46, but its not the end of the world.

Democrats distanced themselves from Martha Coakley, and blamed her lackluster campaign for her stunning loss in the U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts. FULL STORY

Health

http://www.eschatonblog.com/2010/01/lessons.html
And the lesson of 1994 is clear: the folks who killed health care in 1994 didn't gain any benefit from it. They were the ones who got slaughtered in November.Is that clear? I mean, I've never really gotten the impression that was actually the lesson learned in Washington, whatever the truth.Anyway, a few months ago I would've thought the idea of a Republican resurgence in 2010 was absurd, and now I don't.Unemployment is at 10%. Still.

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake has struck off coast of Cayman Islands, U.S. Geological Survey reports.

BREAKING: ZOGBY PREDICTS COAKLEY WIN

BREAKING: ZOGBY PREDICTS COAKLEY WIN

(simels - gomez on atrios -- democraticunderground.com)

US troops land at Haiti presidential palace

US troops land at Haiti presidential palace AP – 27 mins ago
Six U.S. Navy helicopters touched down on the grounds of Haiti's damaged presidential palace on Tuesday bringing reinforcements in the struggle for security and earthquake disaster relief — more than 100 U.S. troops. Full Story »

DK MA live blog

DK live blog

Citigroup Reports a $1.6 Billion Loss for Year

Citigroup Reports a $1.6 Billion Loss for Year
By ERIC DASH 18 minutes ago
The bank, which also took a $10.1 billion charge in the fourth quarter, has shown few signs of a quick recovery.
Wary of Earnings Reports, Global Markets Slump 8:53 AM ET


German NTV
Citibank will keep relying on state support

Citigroup suffers $7.6 billion loss9:35am: Much of the bank's big loss was tied to the repayment of its bailout loan, results met analysts' expectations. More

US general: 200K dead a 'start point'

SOTU 2010

State of the Union set for Jan. 27

Weeks of speculation end with announcement; budget presentation on Feb. 1.

Japan: JAL is totally bankrupt

JAL is awaiting a bankruptcy trial.
Schulden in Milliardenhöhe
Japan Airlines ist pleite

Japan Airlines Files for Bankruptcy
By HIROKO TABUCHI 5:49 AM ET
The airline’s bankruptcy sets the stage for a state-led bailout that could change the Japanese aviation sector.

Schaueble spends 86 bio € thru makin debts

Schaeuble is like Schwarzenegger speaking about debts: He accused Grey Davis for 2 years of making inexplicable debts, then is caught in a joke speaking suddenly about "geerlie meeen" and "Dee-aaa-peers:" Schaeuble will definetly start saving money he spends this year-NEXT YEAR. Indeed, you could call this an attitude-joke.He will do nothing more than get the money back he throws out this year. And he'll probably do it thru social cuts and everything else his stupid fascist brain got to offer.
Schäuble will Bremse ziehen
Ab 2011 wird drastisch gespart
Dieses Jahr will es die Regierung noch einmal krachen lassen.

***FASCISM IS THE COMBINATION OF NATIONALISM AND ECONOMY***

PARTY FINANCING

Another issue in the German parliament was today during the budget discussion the party financing of the chronically broke lib dems.

A million euro donation of Moevenpick hotel owner to the lib dems
was the centre of a hefty verbal brawl. Ecos and Social Dems criticized the lowering of the sales tax for hotel stays by the conservative govt. as sheer support for "the own voters". They demanded the lib dems 2 pay the money back. A speedy application of the ecos to vote upon taking the tax relief back was though declined by conservatives and lib dems.

Kraft Foods and Cadbury agree to $19.5 billion takeover deal

Ukraine

KIEV (AFP) – Voters in Ukraine on Monday forced two old rivals who both favour close ties with Russia into a tense presidential election run-off after rejecting the pro-Western leader of the 2004 Orange Revolution.

Preliminary results showed dour pro-Moscow candidate Viktor Yanukovich had won Sunday's first round of voting, in a stunning turnaround for the politician blamed for organising poll rigging in 2004 that sparked the Orange uprising.

But having failed to muster a majority, Yanukovich will face the second place candidate, the glamorous Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, in a run-off on February 7.

In a stinging rebuke for the pro-West revolt just over five years later, its leader and incumbent President Viktor Yushchenko was eliminated in the first round with a miserable single digit result. Profile: Ukraine's 'Orange hero' who lost his shine

With ballots from about 91 percent of polling stations counted, Yanukovich had garnered 35 percent of the vote and Tymoshenko 25 percent, the central election commission said.

Third place went to businessman Sergiy Tigipko, who polled 13 percent. His electorate will now prove crucial in determining the fate of the second round.

Personal news

For reasons I dont understand, my fridge was smoldering, thus the fuse was flung out.

Germany: zu Guttenberg renewdly under pressure

german ntv

Ukraine voters may pick Pro-Russia prez

United States Senate special election in Massachusetts, 2010

United States Senate special election in Massachusetts, 2010
January 19, 2010
Nominee		Scott Brown	Martha Coakley
Party		Republican	Democratic
Nominee		Joseph L. Kennedy
Party		Independent

The 2010 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts will take place on January 19, 2010. It will be a special election to fill the Massachusetts Class I Senate seat for the remainder of the term ending January 3, 2013.

The vacancy that prompted the special election was created by the death of Democrat Ted Kennedy on August 25, 2009; Kennedy had served as Senator since 1962, having himself initially been elected in a special election in 1962 to fill the vacancy created when his brother, John F. Kennedy, was elected President in 1960.

The seat is currently held by an appointee, Paul Kirk, a longtime Kennedy aide who is not a candidate in the election to complete the term.

A party primary election determining the winners of party nominations occurred on December 8, 2009.^[1][2] The Democratic Party nominated Martha Coakley, the Massachusetts Attorney General; The Republican Party nominated Scott Brown, a Massachusetts State Senator. Joseph L. Kennedy (no relation to the Kennedy family) is running as an independent candidate.

The race has drawn national attention due to Brown's unexpected competitiveness and the fact that a Brown victory would deprive the Democratic Party of the 60th Senate vote it needs to invoke cloture on the health care reform bill.^[3]

BBC headlines of today

1. Death sentence for 'Chemical Ali'

2. Germany issues Explorer warning

3. Pakistan drone attack 'kills 15'

• Somalia and Yemen 'swap rebels'

• Indian communist leader Basu dies

• Spain MP photo used for Bin Laden

• Pope set for Rome synagogue visit

• Stars prepare for Golden Globes

Germany: German Social Dems: 12 new points for a restart

german ntv

Muentefering just finished a holiday trip. He, aged 70, and his wife, aged 29, were on some island to celebrate their marriage. The rest of the party is currently discussing several issues as "why did we loose confidence?" Well, I dont know why the voter should think the party isn't trustworthy-I think it's totally normal if you got an age diffrence of 41 years in a marriage (...bruhahahaha).

France: French socialists nerved by some coup of shock of Vincent Peillon

Le coup d'éclat de Vincent Peillon embarrasse le PS

Even if Aubry supports Peillon the other responsible ones of the socialists like Moscovici dont agree with Peillon coup of shock.
Aubry supported Peillon who made a jump the day before in TV (France 2) during a debate on national identity, id est he left the studio.

Moscovici called it a policy of the devastated chair.


The ex-socialist (now PG/leftparty) Jean-Luc Melenchon mentioned that its never too late to refuse to have oneselft taken into a "guet-apens" (ambush) qualifying it as a tele-thrashcan.



Besson:Sucked into the swirl of the debate on national identity, Eric Besson warned his detractors: he will attack from now on any author of defamatory remarks in his opposition. The minister of immigration announced his decision to carry out sheer contra against the deputy PS Jean-Christophe Cambadélis who had compared him with Pierre Laval, the number two of the regime of Vichy, and against writer Gerard Mordillat, who had called his ministry a " ministry for xenophobia ".

Germany: leftparty: Pau warns party shouldnt be stricken in personal discussions

Angie's moved: for a leak in the roof

German msn

For a leak in the roof German chancellor Angela Merkel has to leave her office for several days.
She stayed on the 7th floor.
The building has severe failures concerning fire protection and air conditioning also, especially smoke-suck-off.
The German chancellors office in Berlin which was built as I remember till 1999 costed by then 250 mio €.

Water drips from the roof of the cellar where cars park and as mentioned b4, if it rains, it also rains in Angies office.

Christian values: today:direction

MA senate race

Brown bashes Obama as ‘outsider’ but welcomes Giuliani

As the race for the Massachusetts Senate seat formerly held by the late Teddy Kennedy unexpectedly tightens up, the national Democratic Party has begun frantically attempting to revive Martha Coakley's lackluster campaign, providing large infusions of cash, a dose of negative advertising, and even an appearance by former President Bill Clinton.

This surge of activity led Republican candidate Scott Brown to respond pre-emptively on Wednesday to a rumored appearance by President Obama, warning that he "should stay away and let Martha and I discuss the issues one on one."

strange corpse undertaken

n-tv
possibly the corpse of Rosa Luxemburg; Hands and feet missing.

• More Than 45,000 Feared Dead in Haiti Quake | How to Help

Berlins commuter train desaster worsens

Berlins S-Bahn Desaster worsens

Several trains of type 481 got short-circuited for humidity, ice, snow and other factors. Such humidity develops if cold humid air gets heated id est the heaters inside the trains.
1100 wagons need to be available, there are only 550 left.
Another problem is that the former producer of the waghons, AEG, doesnt exist anymore, id est it was bought by Electrolux. Spare part supply for the three phase electric power wagons may be difficult to get.

Three-phase electric power is a common method of alternating-current electric powertransmission.^[1] It is a type of polyphase system, and is the most common method used by electric power distribution grids worldwide to distribute power. It is also used to power large motors and other large loads. A three-phase system is generally more economical than others because it uses less conductor material to transmit electric power than equivalent single-phasetwo-phase systems at the same voltage.^[2] or

In a three-phase system, three circuit conductors carry three alternating currents (of the same frequency) which reach their instantaneous peak values at different times. Taking one conductor as the reference, the other two currents are delayed in time by one-third and two-thirds of one cycle of the electrical current. This delay between phases has the effect of giving constant power transfer over each cycle of the current, and also makes it possible to produce a rotating magnetic field in an electric motor.

Three-phase systems may or may not have a neutral wire. A neutral wire allows the three-phase system to use a higher voltage while still supporting lower-voltage single-phase appliances. In high-voltage distribution situations, it is common not to have a neutral wire as the loads can simply be connected between phases (phase-phase connection).

Three-phase has properties that make it very desirable in electric power systems:

• The phase currents tend to cancel out one another, summing to zero in the case of a linear balanced load. This makes it possible to eliminate or reduce the size of the neutral conductor; all the phase conductors carry the same current and so can be the same size, for a balanced load.
• Power transfer into a linear balanced load is constant, which helps to reduce generator and motor vibrations.
• Three-phase systems can produce a magnetic field that rotates in a specified direction, which simplifies the design of electric motors.

Three is the lowest phase order to exhibit all of these properties.

Most household loads are single-phase. In North America and some other countries, three-phase power generally does not enter homes. Even in areas where it does, it is typically split out at the main distribution board and the individual loads are fed from a single phase. Sometimes it is used to power electric stoves and washing machines.

The three phases are typically indicated by colors which vary by country. See the table for more information.

At the power station, an electrical generator converts mechanical power into a set of three alternating electric currents, one from each coil (a.k.a. "winding") of the generator. The windings are arranged such that the currents vary sinusoidally at the same frequency, but with the peaks and troughs of their wave forms offset to provide three complementary currents with a phase separation of one-third cycle (120° or 2π/3 radians). The generator frequency is typically 50 HzMains power systems for more detail.) or 60 Hz, varying by country. (See

Large power generators provide an electrical current at a potential of a few hundred to about 30,000 volts. At the power station, transformers step this voltage up to one suitable for transmission.

After numerous further conversions in the transmission and distribution network, the power is finally transformed to the standard utilization voltage for lighting and equipment. Single-phase loads are connected from one phase to neutral, or between two phases. Three phase loads such as motors must be connected to all three phases of the supply.

The most important class of three-phase load is the electric motor. A three-phase induction motor has a simple design, inherently high starting torque, and high efficiency. Such motors are applied in industry for pumps, fans, blowers, compressors, conveyor drives, and many other kinds of motor-driven equipment. A three-phase motor is more compact and less costly than a single-phase motor of the same voltage class and rating; and single-phase AC motors above 10 HP (7.5 kW) are uncommon. Three-phase motors also vibrate less and hence last longer than single-phase motors of the same power used under the same conditions.

Singer Teddy Pendergrass dies at 59
Memphis cult singer-songwriter dies at 29

Cult singer-songwriter Jay Reatard has died, aged 29.

The acclaimed Hang Them All singer, real name Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., reportedly died in his sleep on Tuesday night.

Reatard was found dead at his home in Memphis, Tennessee on Wednesday morning.

Game Change

Twitter hoax: 'Free flights' to Haiti

Germany: view on govt: Chaos Combo and deep sea divers

CDU secretary Groehe
Chaos Combo and deep sea divers

Bosbach expects clearing thru a crisis-meeting on 17jan.
Groehe said: "The work of the coalition got good fundamentals. What came above it, leaves space for every kind of goodwill for the coming year."

Help Arrives in Haiti

Help Arrives in Haiti

Amid Destruction, Survivors Get Relief

Clearifier: Merkel demands tax cuuuts

The lib dems demanded tax cuuuts with strong words. And finally in Kreuth, The Christ Socials also demanded tax cuuuts, only half the size of the lib dems, but anyway. Merkel couldnt evade anymore. Her policies wont neither carry nor secure a state and she now has the image of being merciless populist. But who cares? Shes got a vote 2 win in NRW on 9th may. And heck, she doesnt need to care.
Even if she looses she'll remain chancellor.
Only if she looses by a big margin she'll get kiked. But then, these are tax cuuuts - So 1 thing is sure: it won't be a big margin.
ksta
Conservatives offer a diffuse image

The widely expected 2-day commission-meeting of the conservatives in Berlin starts.
Demands for becoming more conservative became louder, but there wont be a majority for these demands.

The gathering is bein discussed since the weekend. Today it happens: The conservative board meets for a 2-day-closed-from-public-convention.

Still the convention doesn't take place in Northrhinia-Westphalia, where a vote will be held on 9may. It is a habbit to visit the state where the next vote will take place. The commission instead meets in Berlin's Konrad Adenauer Haus 4 a lack of money. What the talks will yield is still open.

Investigations for Bavaria's state bank extended

Former Bavarian prime Stoiber may have exerted massive pressure versus Croatia to have Bavarias state bank take over Hypo Alpe Adria in 2007. When Hypo went broke on Hypo Alpe Adria, Stoiber wanted to have full control remaining in Bavaria. Finally, Bavarias state bank paid 3.7 bio€ too much for the arrogance of Mr.Stoiber. Meanwhile, Mr Stoiber works as an EU commissioner.

• Investigations for Bavarian state bank scandal extended

  DPA - 27 Min. ago

  München (dpa) - Nach dem Milliardendebakel der BayernLB in Österreich sind weitere Beteiligte ins Visier der Staatsanwaltschaft München geraten. Mehr »

Munich's state attorney now triggers further suspects.

Earthquake devastates Haiti

Germany: Polls

Conservatives-lib dems loose majority in Germany.

Social Dems - leftparty - ecos: 47%
lib dems- christ dems/christ socials: 46%

poll by RTL Germany and stern

Germany: New lib dem minister for health puts lobbyist into his ministry

German NTV

The German health minister intends to transform the public health insurances into a success (boni) system, meaning if u visit a doctor less often than others, you pay less. Now he will be advised by a former top manager of the private insurances. The opposition speaks of a bad signal.

German economy shrunk by 5%

Is Merkel incompetent regarding economical matters? Whereas the German economy grew by 3.2% in 2006 and sustained smaller growth in the years after (2007&08), it dived into the negative zone last year. 2006 was the year after social dem Schroder was called off, ever since, the economy is shrinking from the growth perspective.

GDP

German economy shrinks by 5%

FAZ(frankfurts general paper)The German economy suffered the most devastating dive since ww2. The GDP shrunk by 5% due 2 estim8es of the federal statistical agency in comparison 2 08. The German deficit amounted to 77,2bio €.

Mexico opens 2010 with one of its deadliest days

Proof Boehse onkelz singer committed accident and fled

Böhse-Onkelz-Sänger überführt

Kevin Russel soll einen Unfall mit Schwerverletzten verursacht haben

Lib Dems sees rate risks in Germanys budget

Foreseeing German Lib Dems discern a rate risk if the Euro Central Bank rises the rates. Megalomaniacs at their best. So, please, if u cause an inflation by devaluing the currency thru tax cuts,id est throwing money out of the win dow, dear chancelloristrix Merkel, make it complete by stopping the Europ Central Bank from keeping the currency stable and rise the rates.

• Brief an Schäuble

  FDP sieht Zinsrisiken im Etat

AP source: Obama considers levy for rescued firms

AP source: Obama considers levy for rescued firms

AP – 10 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Targeting an industry whose political deafness has vexed his administration, President Barack Obama is weighing recovering tax dollars from government-rescued financial institutions with a levy. Full Story »

Germany: Bartsch days as manager of leftparty maybe counted

Well, u cant demand Lafontaine to quit because he provided a very good federal result in the last election and he did provide a very good result in Saarland. So, this case doesnt exist. It was merely brought up because Lafontaine was sick and Bartsch did only sum up what the "very ambitious ones" uttered. Well, first up, Lafontaine was ambitious enough. Secondly it wasnt necessarily Bartsch.

Bartsch unterliegt Lafontaine

GOP calls for Reid to quit

I mean he didnt do too much so its a bit overexceeding the accusation or sth to call him to quit

Republicans cite Lott in calling for Reid to quit

US declines NK call for peace treaty

rawstory

UK

Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson has announced he is to step down from his post temporarily amid the scandal surrounding his wife's affair with a teenager. FULL STORY

German NTV commentary on German govt

bush commentry

We suspected it for longer: Nothing or less can be xpected from this German govt. not only concerning health care or energy questions, not only education or labour laws or social laws. Especially not concerning taxes. This govt coalition wont get thru to a permanent reform anywhere.

The voters put their hopes into a conervative liberal leadership some months ago because they were fed up of the socialist finger-exercises of the grand coalition. But u cant speak of leadership concerning Merkel&Co.



Instead they stride like inflated turkey-cocks thru the mass-media, swing their wings enthusiastically for this unspeakable growth-acceleration law and shout out sth about coming tax cuuuts.


But they godda - if they arrive one day - be paid with high probability thru rising social payments, higher waste fees or higher power and water costs, cause the federal system, states and municipalities drop into a billion-euro-heavy state debt.

Croatia

news.yahoo.com: ZAGREB (AFP) – Opposition Social Democrat Ivo Josipovic won Croatia's presidential election by a wide margin on Monday after pledging a crack down on corruption, and vowed to transform the nation into a "star" of Europe.

The law professor and classical music composer took 60.26 percent of the votes in Sunday's run-off, according to final results.

"I want a European Croatia, a Croatia that will be one of the shining stars in the European sky," the 52-year-old told his supporters early on Monday as his victory became clear.

This would be "not only through EU membership but by values that we stand for -- democracy, freedom, human rights, rule of law, minority rights (and) religious freedom," he said.

Josipovic, due to be sworn into office on February 18, will lead Croatia's efforts to join the European Union. Zagreb is aiming for EU membership by January 2012.

He ran on a ticket of rooting out corruption, one of the conditions for EU entry, and beat his rival, populist Zagreb mayor Milan Bandic, by a wider-than-expected margin.

Monday papers and analysts hailed Josipovic's victory as a new era for the former Yugoslav republic, in which it would leave behind the 1990s Balkan wars.

"The historic mission of Ivo Josipovic as the head of state has been already determined: to lead Croatia after some 20 years (since independence) into a new integration -- the EU," the Novi List independent daily said.

"The country born in war should eventually transform into a peacetime, civilised, European country," it said, referring to the 1991-1995 war for independence from the former Yugoslavia.

afp2
ap