Donald Trump Vs Theresa May [Petition]

The following is the email I've received today from Greenpeace... 

It looks like Donald Trump and co have a rather dangerous agenda regarding Climate Change and the Paris Climate Deal. But, if enough of us sign the petition, they might not succeed after all. 

Definitely worth adding our names to it.

Keep up the good fight...

Loup Dargent

Save The Calais Children [Petition]

Image via Avaaz.org

300 refugee children are stuck in the "living hell" of the Calais refugee camp, waiting for our government's promise of a new life in the UK to come through. A massive public outcry can push the PM to let these children come to their family already waiting here, before the new school term. 

>> Sign here and share this campaign on Facebook, Twitter, everywhere... <<

Michael Moore: '5 Ways to Make Sure Donald Trump Loses'

The following is an email from Michael Moore I received yesterday... and, like I used to do in the past with some of his previous emails, I'm very happy to share it on here. 

Enjoy!

Loup Dargent

Let's Take A Stand Against Racism In The Media! [Petition]

Image via Avaaz.org

The Sun newspaper has launched a shocking attack on Channel 4 just because newsreader Fatima Manji reported on terrorism while wearing a headscarf. Fatima has already lodged a formal complaint -- let’s stand with her against racism and create the biggest ever mass complaint to the press watchdog. 

>> Click here to sign the petition 

UK: Carry Jo Cox's Banner Of Love This Sunday

Image via Avaaz.org

Dear Avaazers in and around London, 

Only light can sweep away the darkness, only love can heal hate. As we mourn for and honour Jo Cox, we also have to go on -- to carry forward the banner of love and hope for a better world that she carried so gracefully. To unite, as her husband Brendan said, “to fight against the hatred that killed her.” 

And to do just that, on Sunday hundreds will be kissing against Brexit -- attempting to break a Guinness World Record for the largest kiss! The kissing chain will be continued in Rome, Paris and Berlin, sending a powerful message that we're taking back our politics from fear and lies with beautiful unity and humanity. And it starts in London. 

Euro 2016 Could Turn EU Referendum Result Upside Down

A political football? Karen Katriyan

By Simon Chadwick, University of Salford

When historians look back at the fact that the Euro 2016 group phase ended the day before the UK’s Brexit vote on June 23, they will think it almost deliberately mischievous. These could turn out to be the finals where British teams entered as fully fledged members of the European Union and then departed in more ways than one.

Is The EU Anywhere Near Getting Its Own Army?

British soldiers on exercises. Ben Birchall/PA Archive

By David J Galbreath, University of Bath and Simon J Smith, Staffordshire University

As part of a warning by a group of former military officers that the European Union undermines the UK’s military effectiveness, former General Sir Michael Rose expressed concern at the EU’s plan to set up its own army.

But in a speech on May 9 outlining why the UK would be more secure if it remained in the EU, the prime minister, David Cameron, said suggestions of an EU army were “fanciful” and that the UK would veto any suggestion of it.

As Cameron pointed out, there is a significant gap between the rhetoric and reality of the establishment of a fully functional European army.

The creation of a European army is a long way off and by no means inevitable. Even the most supportive nations, such as Germany, would acknowledge this reality.

Britain Should Stop Trying To Pretend That Its Empire Was Benevolent

The defence of Rorke’s Drift. Alphonse-Marie-Adolphe de Neuville

By Alan Lester, University of Sussex

The recent debacle of David Cameron’s filmed condemnation of Nigerian and Afghan corruption and the Queen’s remark on Chinese officials’ rudeness highlights the persistence of imperial thinking in Britain. There seems to be a continuing assumption within the British establishment that it sets an example for others to follow and that the British are owed deference by others.

Brexiters Need To Stop Scaremongering About Turkey Joining The EU

Esin, CC BY-NC-SA

By David Phinnemore, Queen's University Belfast and Erhan İçener, Bursa Orhangazi University

The anti-immigration rhetoric of the Leave campaign in the Brexit debate has brought to the fore the question of further enlargement of the European Union.

What #Brexit Would Mean For Relations Between India And The UK

Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA

By Paul James Cardwell, University of Sheffield and Navajyoti Samanta, University of Sheffield

Much of the debate about Britain’s impending referendum on membership of the European Union so far has focused on external trade and the UK’s standing in the world. President Barack Obama intervened to say that the UK would not find new trade deals easy to conclude, even with strong allies. While relations with Canada and China have entered the discussion, little has been said about India.

This is surprising, given India’s strong links with the UK and status as the world’s fastest growing economy and world leader for inward investment.

The Red Woman: The History Behind Game Of Thrones' Mysterious Mystic

Helen Sloan / HBO

By Marta Cobb, University of Leeds

Every Game of Thrones season premiere needs its shock reveal – and season six is no different. As the name of the episode – The Red Woman – hints, this one pertains to red priestess Melisandre, to whom, it turns out, there’s much more than meets the eye (don’t worry, no spoilers ensue). Even in a series known for its complex characters and even more complicated morality, Melisandre and her motives remain surprisingly opaque. And it looks as if her story’s only just getting started.

Zut Alors, Jeremy Paxman! French Isn't A 'Useless' Language

By Emmanuelle Labeau, Aston University

Presenter Jeremy Paxman recently hailed the victory of English “in the battle of global tongues” in an article for the Financial Times in which he also claimed that French was “useless” and “bad for you”.

Why such a needless attack on Britain’s closest neighbour and favourite enemy – unless he is trying to court controversy to generate interest in his forthcoming documentary on the UK’s relationship with Europe?

Where Is The Next TV Smash Hit Coming From?

There is no doubt that many people all across the world are waiting eagerly to see where the next TV smash hit will come from. Viewers are now desperate to find great new shows from the start, allowing them to say that they backed the big shows from the seconds that they dropped. TV companies are keen to find these shows so that they can share them with their audience and the amount of people involved in TV are all looking to get on board with what is hip, in fear of being left behind.

The Commonwealth Is Not An Alternative To The EU For Britain

Rose tinted. Eric Fischer, CC BY-SA

By Andrew Dilley, University of Aberdeen

A key question in the debate about Britain’s future in Europe concerns the alternative global economic connections available to the UK. The North American Free Trade Agreement, the European Free Trade Association and free-wheeling bilateralism all have their advocates. Yet one other alternative carries particular emotional resonance: the Commonwealth.

For some Brexiters the Commonwealth is the perfect global trading network for the 21st century. At times this position carries a hint of nostalgia. In the leaders’ debate before the 2015 general election UKIP leader Nigel Farage described leaving the EU as a chance to reconnect with the rest of the world, “starting with our friends in the Commonwealth”. Yet is there in fact such an alternative?

New Book Addresses Question: Joan of Arc, Lesbian or Transgender?

Joan of Arc: Her Trial Transcripts, by Emilia P. Sanguinetti (PRNewsFoto/Little Flower Publishing)

Pope Francis will release this week his long-awaited document on Catholic Church teaching related to the 2014-2015 Bishops' Synod on the Family. 

The pope's document will likely provoke divergent opinions about the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons can make with regard to the spiritual growth of the Church.

With the publication of Joan of Arc: Her Trial Transcripts, author E.P. Sanguinetti provides readers with a modern English translation which clearly presents evidence that one of the Church's preeminent saints was likely a lesbian and transgender person.

'World of Warcraft: Traveler', A New Book Series For Children Based On The Global Bestselling Game Franchise, To Be Launched Soon

Scholastic & Blizzard Entertainment Announce World of Warcraft(R): Traveler, a New Children's Book Series Based on the Bestselling Video Game Franchise. Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment (PRNewsFoto/Scholastic)

Scholastic, the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, and internationally acclaimed game developer and publisher Blizzard Entertainment have announced today a collaboration on a new book series for kids ages 8-12 based on Blizzard's popular World of Warcraft game franchise. World of Warcraft: Traveler will launch simultaneously in the U.S., the U.K.,Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, with the first hardcover book scheduled for release in November 2016, followed by the second title in November 2017. 

Set in the breathtaking land of Azeroth, this epic action-adventure series features a young cast of Warcraft characters discovering the mysteries and majesty of the world around them. 

Written by celebrated comic book author and animation writer Greg Weisman, the first book will include full-page sketches created by Blizzard artist Samwise Didier, and a full-color cover illustration by Blizzard artist Stephane Belin.

"World of Warcraft is a captivating fantasy universe that lends itself to many imaginative and innovative storytelling possibilities. When Blizzard initially approached us about creating an original series for kids, we were not only intrigued but immediately mesmerized," said Debra Dorfman, Vice President and Publisher, Global Licensing, and Media Consumer Products, Scholastic. "This has truly been a fantastic collaboration and we look forward to sharing this thrilling adventure with boys and girls everywhere."

"We're excited to be collaborating with Scholastic on a series that will bring Azeroth to life for a whole new audience," said Chris Metzen, Senior Vice President of Story and Franchise Development at Blizzard Entertainment. "And Greg Weisman is an accomplished writer who's really gotten to the heart and soul of Warcraft with the characters he's developed here—we're thrilled with the work he's done on World of Warcraft: Traveler."

The video

About World of Warcraft: Traveler 

It's been years since twelve-year-old Aramar Thorne, a clever boy who is never without his precious sketch book, has seen his father. So when Captain Greydon Thorne comes ashore and asks his son to join him at sea, it feels as if someone has redrawn Aram's entire world. Before he knows it, Aram is aboard the Wavestrider with Lakeshire fading to a distant dot on the horizon. But the thrill of adventure quickly fades, as Greydon relentlessly schools Aram on how to handle his cutlass and how to relate with the strange and diverse creatures of Azeroth. In addition, Aram struggles to get along with the Wavestrider's crew—especially second mate Makasa, a tough teenaged girl who has been reluctantly placed in charge of him. Just as Aram starts to get his head above water, a band of vicious pirates attack the Wavestrider, turning his world upside down once again. As Aram tries to find his way home with his father's compass in hand, he'll travel across Azeroth's beautiful and hostile terrain, encountering creatures both terrible and wondrous. He'll seek to understand Azeroth's denizens as he draws them in his sketchbook, forming unlikely friendships along the way. But the journey is hindered by Greydon's compass, which never points north. If the compass isn't leading Aram and Makasa home--to safety--to what destiny is it leading them?

Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

About Greg Weisman
Greg Weisman has been a storyteller all his life. He's best known as the creator of Disney's Gargoyles and as a writer-producer on multiple animated series, including Young Justice, Star Wars Rebels, and W.I.T.C.H., and Marvel's The Spectacular Spider-Man. He's written multiple comic book series and two young adult novels, Rain of the Ghosts and Spirits of Ash and Foam. Greg lives in Los Angeles, California.

SOURCE: Scholastic

Breaking News: World War II Is Over, Britain Is A European Country

By Andrew Scott Crines, University of Liverpool

Britain has so far been something of a failure in the European Union. Despite the benefits it has received in terms of investment, social programmes and education, it just doesn’t seem to be part of the club. That’s because the UK has yet to fully appreciate what the EU does.

For decades now, the British right-wing press has presented the UK as a place apart from the EU. It is distant in terms of culture, economy, social beliefs, aspirations and desires. Despite this antagonism, the EU has continued to invest in British infrastructure (look at Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow), in its culture, and, of course, by allowing access to the single market.

The single market is not the sole function of the European Union. Political union has always been on the cards. Opponents to it only failed to notice sooner because they didn’t do their research in the years leading up to 1973, when Britain first joined the EEC. At that point, Britain joined a union of nations that were already sharing sovereignty.

Yet opponents acted surprised when Britain, too, was called upon to share that sovereignity. It is clear from both Labour and Tory leaders at the time that sharing sovereignty was always on the cards.

But we are told continually by those seeking to depart that it is a market place which has grown too big for its boots. This is a failure of imagination from opponents, rather than a failure of the EU to be what it has always sought to be.

The myth that Britain was somehow different from the rest prevented it from getting more involved at that time and has now prevented it from becoming European.

Romantic notions of imperial glory and World War II help embolden that myth in the minds of Brexit supporters. Britain is seen as a unique nation. It is simply better than the other EU member states.

This uniqueness is not only flawed in a historical sense but also in its contemporary value.

We’re just bally different!
Britain romanticises World War II because it stood against Hitler while the rest of Europe fell. As such, it is seen as a moment of supreme victory – something to be proud of.

This is not to suggest that British people shouldn’t be proud of standing up to tyranny, but from Europe’s viewpoint, World War II was a traumatic period. It was a time of occupation, misery, and of course, death.

Get over it, Nigel. PA/Gareth Fuller

This is, of course, a matter of historical record but opponents of the EU seem to be using this period as evidence of Britain’s exceptionalism and defiance. It sends the message that Britain was better than its European neighbours, not only for avoiding occupation, but also for liberating them.

As accurate as some of these points may be, it is important to see how other EU countries view this period and the harmful impact the British attitude will have, not just on European countries but also on its view of itself.

Failing to adapt
While the rest developed a more cohesive sense of European identity, Britain resisted. And to some extent, the introduction of the euro has precipitated a further breaking down of nationalism. Britain, however, remains apart.

Today, the global financial crash and its ongoing consequences have left the eurozone in an economic mess. But the ideas underscoring it were valid. There is nothing inherently wrong with ever closer union. Being closer enables cross country collaborations, freer trade, cultural mixing, and the essential creation of europeanism.

Opponents view this as a betrayal of nationalism. But given nationalism is, by definition, an inward celebration of a nation’s identity, ever closer union can rein in the urge nations have to compete with each other militarily.

British people have forgotten why the European union exists in the first place. I would argue that they never fully understood.

The EU isn’t just a common market of western capitalism. It is an idea. The idea is one of cultural, social, and economic integration to create a better, more prosperous Europe. The alternative is division, competition, and rivalry between former friends.

Since joining in 1973, Britain has enjoyed the benefits of membership while all the time pushing away. It is the sick man of Europe, pushing away the doctor who is trying to cure a worrying case of individualism.

Today, Britain is seeing the fruits of its exceptionalism. It has listened to opponents of the European Union for too long. Now it is time to grow up, move beyond imperialism, stop glorifying a period of massive death and destruction in Europe, and accept membership of a successful union. That union could be even more successful if Britain stopped distancing itself and accepted its place within it.

And, yes, if Britain votes to remain relevant, it should finally take the leap into the light and join the euro. Who knows – that may make it a stronger, more successful currency.


About Today's Contributor
Andrew Scott Crines, British Politics Lecturer, University of Liverpool

This article was originally published on The Conversation.

Clean Energy Could Save Hundreds Of Billions In Health Costs Every Year

If the U.S. moved to electric vehicles, there would be a substantial cut in air pollution – and health benefits to go with it. septim/flickr, CC BY-NC-ND

By Drew Shindell, Duke University

In Paris late last year, the countries of the world pledged to reduce emissions to keep global warming “well below a 2 degree Celsius” rise in global average temperatures compared with preindustrial levels.

As an advanced economy, the U.S. is expected to lead in making the required emissions reductions, which would be roughly 80 percent by midcentury compared with 2005. This would entail moving a large portion of U.S. power generation off fossil fuels and shifting the majority of our vehicles to electric power. That’s a tall order.

Most existing energy policies focus on the nearer term, and as yet there is no roadmap to achieve this 2°C limit – or even less aggressive targets for emissions cuts in the next 15 years.

Is Britain Safer In Or Out Of The European Union? This One's A No Brainer

PA/Gareth Fuller

By Christopher J. Fuller, University of Southampton

Ever since the Islamic State assault on Paris in November 2015, Brexit campaigners have sought to draw a link between Britain’s partnership with Europe, and the vulnerability of its cities to similar attacks. In the days after the atrocities, prominent Leave proponent Richard Tice took direct aim at In campaigners when he said: “never again should they say the United Kingdom is safer in the European Union.”

Until Britain takes back control of its borders, argues UKIP’s Nigel Farage, it cannot be “isolated” from the threat posed by Islamic extremists. The use of the word “isolated” should not be overlooked – it holds a special place in history, and reveals the fantasy in the thinking of those advocating the UK’s exit.

The belief that, in an ever-more interconnected world, Britain’s geography could somehow allow its government to pull up the drawbridge, as if Britain is some sort of impenetrable fortress, is simplistic and old-fashioned.

Live And Let Die: Did Michel Foucault Predict Europe's Refugee Crisis?

Asylum seekers are held at the Macedonian border. EPA/Georgi Licovski

By Stephane J Baele, University of Exeter

In March 1976, philosopher Michel Foucault described the advent of a new logic of government, specific to Western liberal societies. He called it biopolitics. States were becoming obsessed with the health and wellbeing of their populations.

And sure enough, 40 years later, Western states rarely have been more busy promoting healthy food, banning tobacco, regulating alcohol, organising breast cancer checks, or churning out information on the risk probabilities of this or that disease.

Foucault never claimed this was a bad trend – it saves lives after all. But he did warn that paying so much attention to the health and wealth of one population necessitates the exclusion of those who are not entitled to – and are perceived to endanger – this health maximisation programme.

Biopolitics is therefore the politics of live and let die. The more a state focuses on its own population, the more it creates the conditions of possibility for others to die, “exposing people to death, increasing the risk of death for some people”.

Rarely has this paradox been more apparent than in the crisis that has seen hundreds of thousands of people seeking asylum in Europe over the past few years. It is striking to watch European societies investing so much in health at home and, at the same time, erecting ever more impermeable legal and material barriers to keep refugees at bay, actively contributing to human deaths.