Monday, December 16, 2013

BBC News - Syria crisis: UN launches record $6.5bn aid appeal

BBC News - Syria crisis: UN launches record $6.5bn aid appeal: "The United Nations has announced its biggest ever appeal, seeking $6.5bn (£4bn; 4.7bn euros) for humanitarian aid to Syria.

The UN estimates nearly three-quarters of Syria's 22.4 million population will need humanitarian aid in 2014.

The appeal coincides with a new study by the International Rescue Committee, which warns that starvation is now threatening the Syrian population."

'via Blog this'

BBC News - Kaliningrad: European fears over Russian missiles

BBC News - Kaliningrad: European fears over Russian missiles: "European countries bordering Russia's territory of Kaliningrad say they are worried at reports that Moscow has put nuclear-capable missiles there.

Lithuania and Poland both issued statements of concern.

Russia has not confirmed the report but insists it has every right to station missiles in its western-most region."

'via Blog this'

BBC News - US health watchdog cracks down on antibacterial soaps

BBC News - US health watchdog cracks down on antibacterial soaps: "The US health regulator has warned that antibacterial chemicals in soaps and body washes may pose health risks.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called for a safety review of such products.

It proposed a rule requiring manufacturers to prove such soaps are safe and more effective against infection than plain soap and water."

'via Blog this'

High school senior suspended for a year after HUGGING a teacher - a violation of his school's sexual harassment policy | Mail Online

High school senior suspended for a year after HUGGING a teacher - a violation of his school's sexual harassment policy | Mail Online: "A high school senior in Duluth, Georgia will not graduate this year after being put on suspension for hugging a teacher.

Gwinnett Public School District officials say the move was sexual harassment, but 17-year-old Duluth High School student Sam McNair says he was just trying to comfort the female teacher and that he comes from a family of 'huggers'.

'Something so innocent can be perceived as something totally opposite,' McNair told CBS Atlanta.

His mother also says the suspension cold also cost him an athletic college scholarship."

'via Blog this'

Judge deals blow to NSA phone data program | Fox News

Judge deals blow to NSA phone data program | Fox News: "A federal judge ruled Monday that the National Security Agency's bulk collection of phone records likely violates the Constitution, in a major setback for the controversial spy agency. "

'via Blog this'

Big Sur blaze - 12 homes destroyed - SFGate

Big Sur blaze - 12 homes destroyed - SFGate: " A wildfire that broke out late Sunday night along the Big Sur coast had burned 12 homes by Monday afternoon and forced dozens of others to evacuate, fire officials said."

'via Blog this'

The Reason the Arapahoe School Shooting Lasted Only 80 Seconds Will Annoy Gun Control Supporters | Independent Journal Review

The Reason the Arapahoe School Shooting Lasted Only 80 Seconds Will Annoy Gun Control Supporters | Independent Journal Review: "The Reason the Arapahoe School Shooting Lasted Only 80 Seconds Will Annoy Gun Control Supporters"

'via Blog this'

Gingrich: "Every major city which is a poverty center is run by Democrats." | Human Events

Gingrich: "Every major city which is a poverty center is run by Democrats." | Human Events: "Courtesy of NewsBusters, here’s one of those heated exchanges that partisans of both Left and Right are bound to view as a slam-dunk in-your-face win for their side, as former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and Clinton-era Labor Secretary Robert Reich spar over poverty and policy on ABC’s “This Week."

'via Blog this'

Judge Cites Same-Sex Marriage in Declaring Polygamy Ban Unconstitutional

The next step will be animals, and children, and the whole institution of marriage will mean nothing.

Judge Cites Same-Sex Marriage in Declaring Polygamy Ban Unconstitutional: "In a game-changer for the legal fight over same-sex marriage that gives credence to opponents’ “slippery slope” arguments, a federal judge has now ruled that the legal reasoning for same-sex marriage means that laws against polygamy are likewise unconstitutional. "

'via Blog this'

Sudden Threat Endangers Hillary's 2016 Run | Minutemen News

Sudden Threat Endangers Hillary's 2016 Run | Minutemen News: "A threat to Hillary Clinton’s much anticipated 2016 presidential campaign appears to be developing in Egypt where that nation’s government is taking steps to criminalize the Muslim Brotherhood"

'via Blog this'

Obamacare Alternatives | How to Help Uninsured Americans

Obamacare Alternatives | How to Help Uninsured Americans: "Two of the problems Obamacare promised to solve were getting coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and helping the uninsured get coverage. Last week, we talked about how Heritage’s alternative to Obamacare would help people with pre-existing conditions. Today, let’s talk about the uninsured."

'via Blog this'