Published by Reuters(Reuters) -The United States and allies urged Afghans to leave Kabul airport on Thursday, citing the threat of an attack by Islamic State (IS) militants, as Western troops hurry to evacuate as many people as possible before an Aug. 31 deadline. Pressure to complete the evacuations https://www.reuters.com/world/evacuations-afghanistan-by-country-2021-08-26 of … [Read more...] about Afghans told to leave Kabul airport over ‘very credible’ Islamic State threat
WHO raises alarm over hypertension risks around the world.
An unprecedented study covering 104 million people aged 30–79 years in 184 countries has found that the number of people living with hypertension has doubled to 1.28 billion since 1990 but more than 700 million people are not receiving treatment. The study led by the World Health Organization (WHO) covered the period 1990–2019 and was conducted by a global network of … [Read more...] about WHO raises alarm over hypertension risks around the world.
Dracula Never Dies a passionate, eloquent read, provides assessments of Bela Lugosi, Hollywood
Review by Doug Gibson Picture this passage from author Christopher R. Gauthier's new novel, Dracula Never Dies: The Revenge of Bela Vorlock," (Arcane Shadows Press, 2021): Our protagonist, Vorlock, one-time horror film star, reduced to poverty row through two decades of abuse and betrayal by fellow actors, family members and media hacks -- who rival Ayn Rand's "Ellsworth … [Read more...] about Dracula Never Dies a passionate, eloquent read, provides assessments of Bela Lugosi, Hollywood
Afghanistan: Some (More) Positive Stories — UPDATED
UPDATE: The parents of the baby girl born aboard the C-17 as it made its final approach into Ramstein Air Base, Germany, have named her “Reach” after the aircraft’s call sign, “Reach 828.” Gen, Todd Wolters, the head of U.S. European Command, told reporters: And as you can well imagine, being an Air Force fighter pilot, it’s my dream to watch that young child called … [Read more...] about Afghanistan: Some (More) Positive Stories — UPDATED
Bugs Bunny Sends a More Powerful Message Than Matt Damon
Spoiler Alerts: For Space Jam 2, Stillwater, and Free Guy Of the three movies I’ve seen this summer, Space Jam 2, Stillwater, and Free Guy, I got the most emotionally invested in the characters in Space Jam 2. And I’m talking about the Looney Tunes not LeBron James. This New York Magazine review labels Space Jam 2 as a “mere reminder” from WB that they own the franchise. In … [Read more...] about Bugs Bunny Sends a More Powerful Message Than Matt Damon
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
President Biden has been taking a ton of flack recently for the way the evacuation from Afghanistan has been going. While the planning for the removal of all American personnel and Afghanis who aided the American military, NGOs and press appears to have been problematic, it should be remembered that the Trump administration boxed in Biden with it’s initial agreement to have all … [Read more...] about Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Biden’s nearly $5 trillion spending plans win key House vote
Published by AFPWashington (AFP) - US President Joe Biden's plans to spend nearly $5 trillion to change the world's largest economy advanced in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, after Democratic leaders reached an agreement with centrist lawmakers to end a dispute threatening the bills. Biden and his Democratic allies controlling the chamber are pushing for passage of … [Read more...] about Biden’s nearly $5 trillion spending plans win key House vote
Questions for those criticizing President Biden’s decision to pull the American military out of Afghanistan
Plenty of people are criticizing President Biden's decision to pull the U.S. military out of Afghanistan. Some are able to obtain classified information about conditions in Afghanistan. They may or may not have just cause to criticize President Biden's decision. Some criticizing Biden's decision are simply upset because they don't understand Afghanistan's culture and/or … [Read more...] about Questions for those criticizing President Biden’s decision to pull the American military out of Afghanistan
Biden’s Afghan debacle has frayed but not fractured relations with allies
Those who see the Afghanistan debacle as a nail in coffin of trust of friends and allies in Joe Biden are being unnecessarily pessimistic. Unlike relationships of trust between two people, relations between States are based on need and expediency. Biden’s allies at today’s virtual G 7 summit know and understand this. He let them down by abruptly withdrawing US troops and … [Read more...] about Biden’s Afghan debacle has frayed but not fractured relations with allies
Belly dancing class in Kuwaiti ladies gym stirs uproar, prompting government intervention
Published by Global VoicesSeveral lawmakers from Kuwait's National Assembly pressured the government to close down the ladies fitness club. Public domain photo. This piece was originally published on Raseef22, an independent Arabic media platform, on August 13, 2021, and an edited version is being republished under a content-sharing agreement. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce … [Read more...] about Belly dancing class in Kuwaiti ladies gym stirs uproar, prompting government intervention
JEOPARDY! (CARTOON, COLUMN AND VIDEO)
Alex Trebek was the host of Jeopardy! since 1984 until his death earlier this year. Even during his treatment for pancreatic cancer, he continued to host the show he loved. Trebek was a stand-up person who hosted the show with dignity and was beloved by millions. So, who does the show select to replace him? A racist, sexist, anti-Semitic D-bag who enjoys laughing at the … [Read more...] about JEOPARDY! (CARTOON, COLUMN AND VIDEO)
Taliban warn of ‘consequences’ if US extends evacuation
Published by AFPKabul (AFP) - The Taliban warned on Monday there would be "consequences" if the United States and its allies extend their presence in Afghanistan beyond next week, as chaos continued to overwhelm Kabul airport. The hardline Islamists' takeover of the country last weekend shocked Western nations, coming just two weeks before an August 31 deadline for all troops … [Read more...] about Taliban warn of ‘consequences’ if US extends evacuation
Firefight involving Western forces erupts amid Kabul airport evacuation chaos
Published by ReutersKABUL (Reuters) - A firefight involving Western forces erupted at Kabul airport on Monday when Afghan guards exchanged fire with unidentified gunmen, Germany's military said, adding to the evacuation chaos as Washington faces pressure to extend its deadline to withdraw. Thousands of Afghans and foreigners have thronged the airport for days, hoping to catch a … [Read more...] about Firefight involving Western forces erupts amid Kabul airport evacuation chaos
Sorry for the posting glitch
Yours truly is responsible for putting the bulk of non-TMV written content on The Moderate Voice. For the past few days it has been impossible due to no internet at my hotel. Regular posting will resume today. Photo 34168262 / Sorry © Convisum | Dreamstime.com … [Read more...] about Sorry for the posting glitch
Images from Afghanistan. No, Not Those.
The stories and images coming out of Afghanistan are tragic, depressing. But even in the darkest moments, under he most desperate circumstances, there can be uplifting stories and images. Here are some: Above is the heartrending image of an Afghan child sleeping on the cargo floor of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster , kept warm by the uniform of the C-17 loadmaster, … [Read more...] about Images from Afghanistan. No, Not Those.
LOREM IPSUM
“Without a winking smiley or other blatant display of humor, it is utterly impossible to parody [Trumpism] in such a way that someone won't mistake for the genuine article.” - Poe’s Law Extended I wanted to try to write a satirical essay about Donald Trump, the Republican Party, and its MAGA base in the style of Jonathan Swift’s 1729 “A Modest Proposal”, but I found it … [Read more...] about LOREM IPSUM
(Street) Art for a Cause
I have lived in beautiful Austin, Texas, on and off for more than 30 years. While I had seen some beautiful murals in Austin (I will leave the definitions of and differentiation between “street art” and “public art” to the critics), I was not aware of the extent and sophistication of such large, elaborate, colorful and, yes, artistic murals throughout the city. They … [Read more...] about (Street) Art for a Cause
AN OLD DISEASE (Cartoon)
California ‘gig worker’ ballot ruled unconstitutional
Published by AFPSan Francisco (AFP) - A California voter-approved referendum that lets many "gig workers" be treated as independent contractors was ruled unconstitutional on Friday, setting up more legal fights over the controversial measure. The labor legislation known as Proposition 22 -- heavily backed by Uber, Lyft and other app-based, on-demand services -- effectively … [Read more...] about California ‘gig worker’ ballot ruled unconstitutional
UN chief insists on international unity to confront Taliban
The United Nations has little capacity to run Kabul airport to help in the American and allied exit from Afghanistan, although it is using diplomatic influence to the maximum to protect human rights and the freedoms of women, provide humanitarian aid and work towards an inclusive regime in Afghanistan. But in these early days of Taliban rule, the struggle is steeply uphill. … [Read more...] about UN chief insists on international unity to confront Taliban