Cold war 2.0

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The details of new Ukrainian offensive.

 

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Ukraine’s offensive builds as Russia orders people to evacuate from second region

Ukraine updates: Putin vows to 'drive enemy' out of Kursk

Venezuela opposition calls for global protests

 

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Putin pulls units out of Ukraine to defend Russia, Kyiv says

Russia arrests army staffer suspected of spying for Ukraine

Russia’s links with Iran are growing stronger

 

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[JAVO]

 

[Red Herring]

The local police and military police in Cologne are investigating a possible attempt at sabotage. A hole has been discovered in the fence around the water pumping plant of a military airfield. Not only are there several thousand soldiers stationed there (who were told not to drink or use the water and must not leave the station until further notice) but this airfield is also used for travel by highranking government members.

It could just be drunk servicemen deciding to take a shortcut home but it it could just as well be Russia et al fingering with German infrastructure again. It wouldn't be the first time.

I'm curious how this story will develop.

 

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Much more important question is will Germany remain one unified country on the long run. The big regional votes are next month.

 

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Ukraine hammers Russian airbases as Kyiv’s incursion triggers panic

 

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This isn't clickbait, this is for real.

 

[Red Herring]

The local police and military police in Cologne are investigating a possible attempt at sabotage. A hole has been discovered in the fence around the water treatment plant of a military airfield. Not only are there several thousand soldiers stationed there (who were told not to drink or use the water and must not leave the station until further notice) but this airfield is also used for travel by highranking government members.

It could just be drunk servicemen deciding to take a shortcut home but it it could just as well be Russia et al fingering with German infrastructure again. It wouldn't be the first time.

I'm curious how this story will develop.

Update on that: The army now also investigates a possible second attempt at water poisoning at a nearby NATO station.

Also, it wasn't a treatment plant but a water pumping station, sorry.

 

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WHO declares mpox global emergency

Mpox: WHO declares global health emergency

 

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Up to 180K Russians flee Ukraine’s continued offensive

 

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Ukraine’s raid into Russia has shifted the tactical narrative

Ukraine’s plan to buy Russian-made nuclear reactors sparks uproar

Mark Rutte’s first NATO task: Find a right-hand woman

 

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South Korea says willing to establish talks with North Korea

Nigeria: Army destroys illegal refineries, seizes crude oil

Argentina's ex-president Fernandez charged over abuse claims

 

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......

Curious:

Is today in Germany also religious holiday dedicated to virgin Mary ? (or you don't have that tradition)
I mean in Croatia it is and this is something like Summer version of Christmas or Easter. Plus since it is Summer vacation time it isn't strange that religious people take pilgrimage to some distant Churches that are often in the mountains, islands or desolated places.

I mean I am aware of the fact that you have Catholic/Protestant divide. That is kinda why I ask.

 

[Red Herring]

Curious:

Is today in Germany also religious holiday dedicated to virgin Mary ? (or you don't have that tradition)
I mean in Croatia it is and this is something like Summer version of Christmas or Easter. Plus since it is Summer vacation time it isn't strange that religious people take pilgrimage to some distant Churches that are often in the mountains, islands or desolated places.

I mean I am aware of the fact that you have Catholic/Protestant divide. That is kinda why I ask.

We have a few secular holidays for the entire country, some religious holidays (like Christmas) for the entire country and some regional religious holidays like for example Reformation Day (Oct 31st) in the North. Today - Assumption Day - is only an official holiday in Bavaria and Saarland.

Actually, even Bavaria isn't completely Catholic and the holiday is only observed in those administrative districts that are mainly Catholic, not so in predominantly Protestant Frankonia (Northern Bavaria). Overall the North tends to have fewer public holidays than the South.

I am aware that this can lead to quite a bit of confusion and I also often have to google what day is a holiday in what part of the country. I work from home and get professional e-mails from all over the country and there is often somebody somewhere who has to work when other offices don't.

 

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Also since we are at the topic:

I also have elections this fall like the US and the campaign is also heating up over here. In other words the top 2 candidates are known for race to become Croatian next president. For the Christian left (blue) that is locally considered to be center right there is generic candidate that doesn't stick out too much. He is into medical research and it is well known to have strong ties to US through universities and research (I think he even lived in US for a number of years). On the other side there is the incumbent for Socialistic left (red). Lawyer by profession and man that is known for going over the line. He said that Pelosi is a nothing-burger and thus there is no need that the two of them meet while she is here. He said that epidemiology isn't a real science during covid. When he had an argument with top court in the county he called the judges on the court "flies from the stable", he pointed out in media some gay people in center right (what was controversial move), he said that Ukraine is attention whoring it's situation ...... you get the picture. The list of serious controversy is quite long, but that is kinda what attracts people. After all he won 5 years ago with slogan "the president with attitute".

The position of the president is only the third most powerful behind Prime minister and speaker of the parliament. However the person is choosen directly with popular vote and it has plenty of power in setting the narative and in foreign/security policy. Plus it is possible that out of other 15 parties in the parilament someone jumps out as a relevent candidate that will make it to the runoff, it wouldn't be the first time. The odds that someone will win already in the first round are pretty small. So judging by the last few years I will be watching drama in incomming months.

 

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We have secular holidays for the entire country, some religious holidays (like Christmas) for the entire country and some regional religious holidays like for example Reformation Day (Oct 31st) in the North. Today - Assumption Day - is only an official holiday in Bavaria and Saarland.

Actually, even Bavaria isn't completely Catholic and the holiday is only observed in those administrative districts that are mainly Catholic, not so in predominantly Protestant Frankonia (Northern Bavaria). Overall the North tends to have fewer public holidays than the South.

I am aware that this can lead to quite a bit of confusion and I also often have to google what day is a holiday in what part of the country. I work from home and get professional e-mails from all over the country and there is often somebody somewhere who has to work when other offices don't.

Yeah, not having universal holiday list all over the country is surely confusing. I didn't even think of that possiblity.