I mean there are a lot of dead bodies on Everest. Why is this still news?

Bangkok's colourful street vendor scene is about to change and disappear with the upcoming rules.

I am a bit puzzled at European response to the Ukraine invasion. The initial support was slow (obviously due to economic ties to Russia). It took sometime to galvanize some meat into the assistance being provided to Ukraine. Still not seeing leadership being taken on this issue by any of the bigger NATO nations (i.e. Germany, France). Part of this I suspect is that they are playing it smart by letting US take the leadership AND fund the Ukrainian defense thus costing them little. Part of it is perhaps the belief that Russia won't touch non-former USSR countries. But what European countries should realize is, the current world order depends on respecting the borders. If one country is allowed to take territories from another by hot conflict, we're going to see more of this elsewhere in the world, including in Europe! Threat of war, and wars are the enemy of trade, investment, and economic growth. It will impact Europe directly or indirectly.

It's more like he doesn't need it anymore since he's got that new billion dollar palace now.

lol is this what passes for "scandal" in Japan? They are so fortunate.

NSFL. This is particularly gruesome:

The official confirmation came after photos circulated on messaging app WhatsApp depicting a severed head on top of a pick-up truck, appearing to be that of Arcos. Reuters could not independently verify the photos' authenticity.

I think part of the treaty will be compensation from UK and US for the lease. Which they weren't getting any prior to the handover.

“I will ensure Japan emerges from deflation,” he said, promising to accelerate Kishida’s policies aimed at boosting household income through wage hikes."

I haven't seen anything that suggests Ishiba is an inflation hawk. And as former defense minister, he's going to accelerate Japan's defense spending further and counter Chinese threat in the region. Which will boost economy.

Japan has struggled with deflation for decades. Inflation has been a welcome development for them. With an aging population and low birth rates, they aren't in danger of heading into hyper inflation.

Basically trying to bring Ukraine back to stone age. Ukraine needs to do the same to Russia. War is fucked.

This will force the hand of US and EU to sanction China one way or another. Of course diplomatic solutions can be worked out. What it will be has yet to be seen. As you're aware, China has tried to avoid supplying arms directly to Russia until this move. It maybe that Chinese will manufacture the drones in Russia to avoid being seen as exporting arms.

Time to put sanctions on China. This would be interesting.