Investors in gold buyback scheme alarmed by firm’s silence

More than 20 investors who put around $7 million into a gold buyback scheme run by local firm Suisse International are now worried that they cannot get their money back.

America: Australia's Dangerous Ally

Australia should not embrace America, writes its former prime minister, but preserve itself from Washington’s reckless overreach.

The National Interest

UK spy agency GCHQ intercepted emails of journalists from top international media

The British surveillance agency GCHQ’s bulk surveillance of electronic communications has scooped up emails to and from journalists working for some of the US and UK’s largest media organisations, analysis of documents released by whistleblower Edward Snowden reveals.

Singapore empty homes may climb to highest since 1998 on curbs

Shameless Japan wants to rewrite history

McGraw-Hill Education rejected a request by the Japanese government to change passages in a history textbook about women who were forced to serve in Japanese military brothels during World War II.

“Scholars are aligned behind the historical fact of ‘comfort women,’ and we unequivocally stand behind the writing, research and presentation of our authors,” it said.

WSJ

Guardian

Pope Francis says freedom of speech has limits

The pontiff said religions had to be treated with respect, so that people's faiths were not insulted or ridiculed.

To illustrate his point, he told journalists that his assistant could expect a punch if he cursed his mother.

BBC

Red House Seafood at East Coast to go

White trash cyclist Jason Blair Unger charged with throwing bike at car after honking incident

British Chinese people say racism against them is 'ignored'

BBC

US base remains sore point for Cubans

Guantanamo Bay military base seen as symbol of US imperialism

Jack Ma appreciates Tai Chi

Jack Ma is a big fan of Tai Chi, and has previously applied it to his business approach. He said he appreciated the essence of Tai Chi culture, which can be summarized in three words. The first is "calm": no matter what happens, remain calm; "follow", as in follow the flow after knowing one's own strength; and "abandon", to abandon your burden in life.

MH370 hacked and shot down by US Military according to former airline CEO

It was shot down by the US Air Force. This is the conclusion from another former airline boss who has alleged of conspiracy in the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370.
He said MH370 was hacked and shot down by US Military by mistake.

Link

Insider's guide to Singapore: Where to eat and drink

From bustling food markets to a secluded tropical hideaway, restaurateur Loh Lik Peng takes us on a weekend of epicurean delights

Link

Chinese military conducts full test of long-range missile ‘which can hit any part of US’

China last week launched its most comprehensive test of its latest-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-41, which can hit anywhere in the US, according to an American media website.

Homing in on an age-old tradition, rich Chinese send pigeon prices soaring

As the price flew skywards, an audience of middle-aged Chinese men erupted into cheers before the auctioneer slammed his hammer down at a record-breaking 2 million yuan – US$320,000.

Governments red-faced over ‘black site’ expose

US Senate report on CIA torture scheme sparks denials

Americans Involved in Torture Can Be Prosecuted Abroad

The United States is obliged by international law to investigate its citizens suspected of engaging in torture, but even if it does not, Americans who ordered or carried out torture can be prosecuted abroad, by legal bodies including the International Criminal Court, legal experts say.

New York Times

CIA tortured, misled, U.S. report finds, drawing calls for action

Reuters

Three foreign white trash in trouble for attacking cabbies

Myanmar mine workers search for jade, find misery

Drugs, violence & graft mar jade industry amid insatiable China demand for the gem.