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World & Current Events > If you're not in the U.S., what's up in your part of the world?

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message 451: by Nik (new)

Nik Krasno | 19850 comments Beau wrote: "What are Benjamin Netanyahu’s and Denys Shmyhal’s ratings looking like at the moment?..."

Bibi's playing the Trump card on divisions and discredits his high position by not stepping down despite corruption and other indictments being heard in court. It's impossible to know where he acts to avoid the trial and where he acts in country's best interest. The opposing parties are in disarray and he can still survive the fourth elections we are facing in just two years, because current disposition doesn't allow forming of stable government. To me he's a super manipulator, but very charismatic one that no matter what enjoys his core base support. Gotta give him credit though that he was probably the only one, who managed to forge exclusively close relations with both Trump and Putin.
Ukraine is a presidential republic, so Denys, although a prime-minister, is more of a technical figure. President's support constantly slides, but unless there is another revolution, he can still improve. It's hard to turn overnight from a comedian and an actor impersonating a president to a real president. A fascinating reality show to watch whether he'd eventually succeed


message 452: by [deleted user] (new)

Nik wrote: "Beau wrote: "What are Benjamin Netanyahu’s and Denys Shmyhal’s ratings looking like at the moment?..."

Bibi's playing the Trump card on divisions and discredits his high position by not stepping d..."


Yes, of course, it's Volodymyr Zelenskiy who's the President and former comedian, isn't it? Just looked it up. I was amazed when I saw him elected. Just goes to show the disillusionment around the world with established political figures.

Regarding Israel, how are the religious dudes responding to the ongoing virus saga and the vaccines?


message 453: by Nik (new)

Nik Krasno | 19850 comments Beau wrote: "...Yes, of course, it's Volodymyr Zelenskiy who's the President and former comedian, isn't it? Just looked it up. I was amazed when I saw him elected. Just goes to show the disillusionment around the world with established political figures.

Regarding Israel, how are the religious dudes responding to the ongoing virus saga and the vaccines?..."


Yep, Ukr. Vlad played the role of a schoolteacher becoming a president and fighting corruption in a movie so believably, that a lot empowered him to do the real thing, where he found out that it wasn't that easy.
As of religious dudes in Israel, I don't want to generalize as many are perfectly compliant citizens while many others defy any civil directive, do what their spiritual leaders deem fit and enjoy indirect yet overwhelming support from Bibi as their parties are a prime Bibi's coalition partner.


message 454: by Graeme (new)

Graeme Rodaughan Earthquake (Volcanos next?) in Iceland.

REF: https://en.vedur.is/about-imo/news/ea...

Earthquakes for New Zealand, (Tsunami next?)

REF: https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

If it bleeds, it leads today.


message 455: by Ian (new)

Ian Miller | 1857 comments A 7.1, a 7.4 and an 8.1 earthquake, all in a matter of hours. A somewhat eventful morning in this part of the world.


message 456: by Graeme (new)

Graeme Rodaughan Ian wrote: "A 7.1, a 7.4 and an 8.1 earthquake, all in a matter of hours. A somewhat eventful morning in this part of the world."

Indeed. Did you feel it?


message 457: by Ian (new)

Ian Miller | 1857 comments I didn't notice those from the Kermadecs. Not sure about the East Cape one. I did not feel it as such, but I did wake up about that time, so maybe, but I often wake up about then anyway for bladder reasons.


message 458: by [deleted user] (new)

Our newspapers are all full of a story about a publicity-shy couple. Apparently, they left Britain for America in order to live a private life and avoid publicity. Then, when they arrived in America, the first thing they did was contact the media and court publicity. I can’t tell you anymore because I respect their right to privacy and don’t think they should be subjected to anymore publicity.


message 459: by Nik (new)

Nik Krasno | 19850 comments They were shy in their reaching out to media, so probably it incurred no damage to their reputation and sincerity


message 460: by Ian (new)

Ian Miller | 1857 comments Beau wrote: "Our newspapers are all full of a story about a publicity-shy couple. Apparently, they left Britain for America in order to live a private life and avoid publicity. Then, when they arrived in Americ..."

Why? If they are courting publicity they will probably be grateful for your drawing attention to them. Or not, since gratitude does not seem to be one of their strong points.


message 461: by Papaphilly (new)

Papaphilly | 5042 comments Beau wrote: "Our newspapers are all full of a story about a publicity-shy couple. Apparently, they left Britain for America in order to live a private life and avoid publicity. Then, when they arrived in Americ..."

Kind of ironic. Maybe they are finding it harder to live outside the spotlight than they thought.


message 462: by Scout (new)

Scout (goodreadscomscout) | 8071 comments Beau wrote: "Our newspapers are all full of a story about a publicity-shy couple. Apparently, they left Britain for America in order to live a private life and avoid publicity. Then, when they arrived in Americ..."

Now that they're not getting the royal money, they have to trade on their royal connection. Who would care about paying them for an interview otherwise? CBS paid at least 7 million for Oprah's upcoming interview. They may have left the royal fold, but they're still feeding on that connection as a source of income. If they want respect, they should make a new life independent of the old.


message 463: by Ian (new)

Ian Miller | 1857 comments I wonder if Harry is still enamoured with Meghan?


message 464: by Nik (new)

Nik Krasno | 19850 comments Ian wrote: "I wonder if Harry is still enamoured with Meghan?"

Maybe the interview will cast light on this undoubtedly vital question


message 465: by [deleted user] (last edited Mar 08, 2021 05:38AM) (new)

The publicity-shy couple are dominating our news bulletins again.

This time, they spoke to a well-known American talk-show host but a television company failed to respect their privacy and even had the audacity to record the whole conversation. No doubt it’ll be all over the newspapers now, the poor pair.

Before I was able to switch channels in disgust at this invasion of privacy, I heard that the couple made very serious allegations against other people, seemingly without any proof and without actually naming the accused. When I eventually managed to switch over, the other channel was showing celebrities lining up to condemn this accused person. It looks like evidence is no longer required to establish guilt. It’s a good job the publicity-shy couple are known to be so honest, selfless and virtuous.

If anyone doubts their decency, please remember the trouble and expense (not their own money, of course) they went to when hiring a private jet to travel around the world and educate people about the dangers of manmade CO2 emissions.


message 466: by Ian (new)

Ian Miller | 1857 comments The minimal coverage here was largely about her moaning that she had considered suicide as a response to her thoroughly miserable life. What did they do to her? Follow H VIII and have her reside in a certain tower? Illumination badly required.


message 467: by Papaphilly (new)

Papaphilly | 5042 comments Ian wrote: "The minimal coverage here was largely about her moaning that she had considered suicide as a response to her thoroughly miserable life. What did they do to her? Follow H VIII and have her reside in..."

NO, they need to be left alone. Really left alone. So left alone, we never hear from them again type of left alone. Maybe that will make them happy because all of this attention is certainly not making them happy.


message 468: by Ian (new)

Ian Miller | 1857 comments When she moaned about being left alone and being in a dark place I had visions of her in the Tower. Then it went further. "No help coming" I had visions of her being dragged kicking and screaming in the direction of Tyburn Hill, until some picky lawyer reminded everyone that that sort of act by the royals went out so long ago.

Ah well, I guess I shall never know. A local TV station has got the whole interview tonight, and I intend to ignore it.


message 469: by Nik (new)

Nik Krasno | 19850 comments They filled the void of people’s longing for Harry Potter series to continue


message 470: by J. (last edited Mar 08, 2021 02:58PM) (new)

J. Gowin | 7975 comments A scion of the England's longest running soap opera married an American dramatic actress. Give them a few years and they'll be hunting cryptids on the History channel.

Unless Liz really is a reptilian shape shifter from beyond Uranus...


message 471: by Papaphilly (new)

Papaphilly | 5042 comments J. wrote: "A scion of the England's longest running soap opera married an American dramatic actress. Give them a few years and they'll be hunting cryptids on the History channel.

Unless Liz really is a repti..."


Not touching that one.


message 472: by J. (new)

J. Gowin | 7975 comments Papaphilly wrote: "Not touching that one."

You just did.

Is it the evaluation of the relationship, the prediction, or the comedic caveat which you aren't touching?


message 473: by [deleted user] (new)

J. wrote: "Unless Liz really is a reptilian shape shifter from beyond Uranus..."

Don’t mock, J. The man who originally said this, who can no longer be named on respectable internet sites because his claims are so wicked and outlandish, has a canny knack of eventually being proven right.

I’m studying their appearance closely.


message 474: by [deleted user] (last edited Mar 09, 2021 03:10AM) (new)

Ian wrote: "The minimal coverage here..."

Yet another reason why so many people consider New Zealand such a desirable place to live.


message 475: by Nik (new)

Nik Krasno | 19850 comments Two women, two roughly simultaneous interviews, both with suicidal thoughts, both incarcerated in severe conditions. One story you know, another is here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-0...
For some reason the impression is that Meg must’ve suffered more


message 476: by J. (last edited Mar 09, 2021 11:46AM) (new)

J. Gowin | 7975 comments Beau wrote: "J. wrote: "Unless Liz really is a reptilian shape shifter from beyond Uranus..."

Don’t mock, J. The man who originally said this, who can no longer be named on respectable internet sites because h..."


In the US, we have our own version of David Icke. His name is Alex Jones. You probably know him as the guy who screamed about them putting chemicals in the water that turn the frogs gay.
https://youtu.be/9JRLCBb7qK8

It turns out that Atrazine, a common herbicide, causes male frogs to spontaneously change sex.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/ar...

I may have to look closer at a few other things...
https://youtu.be/-5yh2HcIlkU


message 477: by Ian (new)

Ian Miller | 1857 comments Nik wrote: "Two women, two roughly simultaneous interviews, both with suicidal thoughts, both incarcerated in severe conditions. One story you know, another is here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-0......"

I think I know who suffered more :-(


message 478: by [deleted user] (new)

Nik wrote: "Two women, two roughly simultaneous interviews, both with suicidal thoughts, both incarcerated in severe conditions. One story you know, another is here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-0......"

Now that sounds like a proper ordeal.


message 479: by [deleted user] (new)

J. wrote: "In the US, we have our own version of David Icke. His name is Alex Jones..."

I’ve now listened to some of this, but not all of it. I hadn’t heard of this bloke before, or of the shooting incident at the start of the chat. It seems like a bit of a vicious circle: conspiracy theorist doesn’t take enough care/ is naïve/ irresponsible with what he says, media runs with it, he gets cancelled, media can then attribute more quotes to him without being challenged, while large sections of the public choose to lap it all up.

On David Icke, from what I can gather, he’s saying the same things now that he was 20 years ago. Back then, he appeared on a lot of mainstream political discussion programmes and chat shows, and was viewed either as a very interesting, thought-provoking chap or a madman with comedy value. In recent years, he’s been cancelled (although as you show, not by goodreads). It seems Graeme’s Overton Window has contracted as we become more pious/ responsible/ intolerant/ take ourselves more seriously (pick according to your own belief).

Conspiracy theories clearly polarise a lot of people. Many choose to blindly buy into all of them, while others adopt a blanket dismissal regardless of what’s being said. To these two groups, you’re either a complete believer or a complete denier – there is no in between. IMO, both sides are fools. Questioning some things shouldn’t mean you have to attribute a hidden meaning to everything.


message 480: by [deleted user] (new)

Piers Morgan, well-known British TV presenter, has resigned from his job after accusing one half of the publicity-shy couple of lying during the leaked private chat with Oprah Winfrey.

When I found out that Piers had gone, followed by the reason why, it was like hearing that West Bromwich Albion had lost an important football match only to discover that it was Birmingham City who’d beaten them. For those who aren’t football fans, an incredible high immediately followed by a deflated feeling.


message 481: by [deleted user] (new)

I must say, Piers is slowly creeping up in my estimations. Here’s what he’s had to say today:

‘I believe in freedom of speech, I believe in the right to be allowed to have an opinion. If people want to believe Meghan Markle, that's entirely their right.

‘I don't believe almost anything that comes out of her mouth and I think the damage she's done to the British monarchy and to the Queen at a time when Prince Philip is lying in hospital is enormous and frankly contemptible.

‘If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honestly held opinion about Meghan Markle and that diatribe of bilge that she came out with (lol) in that interview, so be it.

‘I think it's fair to say, although the woke crowd will think that they've cancelled me, I think they will be rather disappointed when I re-emerge.’

Stirring stuff. Will he be off to join Andrew Neil on GB News, once it's up and running?


message 482: by Ian (new)

Ian Miller | 1857 comments Are you supposed to say you will re-emerge when you fall on your sword? Falling on your sword was supposed to be permanent.


message 483: by Papaphilly (new)

Papaphilly | 5042 comments Ian wrote: "Are you supposed to say you will re-emerge when you fall on your sword? Falling on your sword was supposed to be permanent."

We should be so lucky.


message 484: by [deleted user] (new)

Ian wrote: "Are you supposed to say you will re-emerge when you fall on your sword? Falling on your sword was supposed to be permanent."

Phoenix Morgan


message 485: by J. (last edited Mar 11, 2021 12:46PM) (new)

J. Gowin | 7975 comments Meghan Markle Inspires Millions Of Young Girls With Message That No Matter How Famous, Rich, And Powerful They Are, They Will Always Be Oppressed

https://babylonbee.com/news/millions-...


message 486: by Graeme (new)

Graeme Rodaughan J. wrote: "Meghan Markle Inspires Millions Of Young Girls With Message That No Matter How Famous, Rich, And Powerful They Are, They Will Always Be Oppressed

https://babylonbee.com/news/millions-......"


Indeed.


message 487: by Papaphilly (new)

Papaphilly | 5042 comments J. wrote: "Meghan Markle Inspires Millions Of Young Girls With Message That No Matter How Famous, Rich, And Powerful They Are, They Will Always Be Oppressed

https://babylonbee.com/news/millions-......"


THAT IS A WIN!!!!


message 488: by [deleted user] (new)

If this turns into a war between privileged reptilians and privileged Hollywood stars, I have no hesitation in siding with the lizards :)


message 489: by [deleted user] (new)

The main UK news at the mo centres around the appalling murder of a lady in London. What possibly makes it even worse is that the suspect is a serving police officer.

I wouldn't want to discuss this sort of news item normally, but I think the following article raises a fascinating moral question:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56367031

At a time when public meetings, protests and the like are banned under covid restrictions, should public vigils for the victim be stopped too, or should they be allowed to go ahead?


message 490: by [deleted user] (new)

This story has led to other interesting moral questions too.

A Green Party Member of The House of Lords has called for a male curfew after 6pm. This argument isn’t new, it was put forward by some feminists in the late ‘70s when the Yorkshire Ripper was on the loose.

Times have changed and what makes the argument even more interesting nowadays is, if this curfew was ever introduced, would it apply to men who self-identify as women? If not, and we accept that they are women, what safeguards could be put in place to prevent fraudulent female self-identification?


message 491: by Nik (new)

Nik Krasno | 19850 comments Beau wrote: "At a time when public meetings, protests and the like are banned under covid restrictions, should public vigils for the victim be stopped too, or should they be allowed to go ahead?..."

Should be banned, but if you'd ask about defensive walls on a football pitch against free kicks ....


message 492: by Papaphilly (new)

Papaphilly | 5042 comments Beau wrote: "If this turns into a war between privileged reptilians and privileged Hollywood stars, I have no hesitation in siding with the lizards :)"

They are not one in the same?


message 493: by J. (new)

J. Gowin | 7975 comments Papaphilly wrote: "They are not one in the same?"

No, one group is Illuminati and the other are Free Masons.


message 494: by J. (new)

J. Gowin | 7975 comments An Australian perspective on Oprah's recent royal interview:

https://youtu.be/PShVQpBM5Zk


message 495: by Scout (new)

Scout (goodreadscomscout) | 8071 comments I didn't watch that interview but have seen the aftermath. Oprah was paid $7 million, of which the couple purportedly got nothing. I don't believe it, do you? If not for their connection to the royals, there never would have been an interview. So they used that connection to get on camera and trash the very institution that gave them a platform. This is probably the dream of every child who's felt misunderstood, and they got to get their revenge on international TV. A privileged couple throwing a tantrum.


message 496: by Graeme (new)

Graeme Rodaughan What she got $7M? Or that Harry and Meaghan got zilch?

Oprah's already a $Billionaire who lives outside California to avoid taxes....


message 497: by Ian (new)

Ian Miller | 1857 comments My view is someone has more money than sense to pay $7 million for that, although in fairness I have only seen about a five second clip on the news. It is all very well for them to trash the royals, but where would Harry be if he were not royal? And what exactly did Meghan expect when she married Harry?


message 498: by J. (last edited Mar 13, 2021 05:04AM) (new)

J. Gowin | 7975 comments Ian wrote: "My view is someone has more money than sense to pay $7 million for that, although in fairness I have only seen about a five second clip on the news. It is all very well for them to trash the royals..."

Pay $7M for a finished program. Sell an estimated $20M worth of ad time.

https://adage.com/article/media/oprah...


message 499: by Ian (new)

Ian Miller | 1857 comments Rather sadly, it makes economic sense. Even sadder to think that after watching that it is expected people will run out and spend more than $20 M on advertised products becaus eof what they saw those two saying.


message 500: by J. (last edited Mar 13, 2021 11:06AM) (new)

J. Gowin | 7975 comments Ian wrote: "Rather sadly, it makes economic sense. Even sadder to think that after watching that it is expected people will run out and spend more than $20 M on advertised products becaus eof what they saw tho..."

People don't purchase the advertised products because of a couple of royal morons. They purchase the products because of the ads. They buy toothpaste because they want to be like the beautiful people who are lusted after by the beautiful people, in the toothpaste ad. They buy the food products because they want to be like the parent figure with a happy well behaved family, in that ad. And they buy the SUV because they want to be young and adventurous, like the people in the ad. The program is just the honey that lures us in with an offer of a bit of entertainment.

If you can't figure out how you're paying for something, then you're the thing that is being sold.


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