For centuries, coffee has been one of the most beloved drinks worldwide. Whether in a coffee shop, a restaurant or at home, People around the world drink it and enjoy it. Coffee has many varieties and tastes. One drink of coffee does not always resemble another.
Coffee beans make a huge difference when it comes to the taste of coffee. Good quality beans are the first and most important step to achieving a great quality drink. But with so many varieties on offer, it might be a daunting experience to make your selection. That’s why while choosing coffee beans you should have at least a basic knowledge about the subject and make sure your supplier is a professional and only offers good quality ingredients.
The main types of coffee beans come from Coffea Arabica and Coffea Robusta. Coffea Arabica is considered a higher quality ingredient, but Robusta may also produce a decent drink. Other species like Coffea Liberica and Coffea Stenophylla are less commercially successful.
Another important factor to consider when buying beans is their geographic origin. Coffea Arabica growing in India may produce a totally different flavor than the ones raised in Central America. Even within those regions you may find “sub-regions” that will produce various flavors. So consult your supplier as to the source of the ingredients and their respective flavors.
The roasting process is also a very important influencer on the ingredients’ quality. While you can find good commercial coffee beans, artisanal coffee roasters produce the best quality ones. Blends potentially produce better flavors.
Once you have established the source and types of coffee beans that you want to buy make sure you follow these steps, which will help you ensure you buy good quality ingredients:
1.Predetermine what kind of flavor you enjoy: mild or full-bodied, floral-tasting, nutty or winy, and so on, and select the products accordingly
2.Buy freshly roasted beans, for the best quality drink
3.Smell them Good quality beans look and smell appetizing
4.Taste before you make your purchase You can tell which ingredients taste well even in their “raw” shape
5.Check whether they are broken or splintered “Damaged” ingredients will also damage the quality of the drink they make
Paying attention to the advice offered in this article will help you make a better, more educated purchase when you start your journey towards the best coffee for you. However, there is nothing better than experimenting. After you try a few types of beans, from various sources and roasters, you will eventually land on the one best suited for you.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Good enough to eat
We are all familiar with vegetable flowers in the form of Cauliflower, Broccoli and Artichokes, but other, more ornamental flowers have been used in the cuisine of cultures all over the world for thousands of years. The Romans were keen on them, as were the ancient Chinese, and European medieval writings talk about feasts of venison cooked with marigolds and violets in salads.
Using peppery Nasturtium flowers in salads and sweet, perfumed rose petals in desserts is quite well known, but did you also know:
• The young shoots of Hostas are good spinach alternative – Hostakopita is a Greek spinach pie made with hosta shoots and in Japan nori maki sushi is filled with parboiled hosta shoots marinated in soy sauce, sugar & salt. They can also be steamed like asparagus. Only use young shoots though as older leaves are too tough.
• Hemerocallis – Day Lily – the flowers and buds have a sweet nutty flavour and look pretty in salads. (Don’t use other types of lilies though as they are poisonous!)
• Violets & Pansies – the sweet, fragrant flowers can be used in salads, desserts and drinks and can be crystallised for cake decoration.
• Sunflowers – we all know you can eat the seeds, but did you know you can also eat the buds & petals? The petals have a bitter-sweet taste and can be used in salads. The unopened buds can be steamed and have a flavour similar to artichokes.
• Lilac – the flowers have a floral, slightly lemony flavour and can be used in salads.
• Honeysuckle – the flowers have a sweet honey flavour and can be used as a garnish for salads and desserts. (Don’t eat the berries though as they are poisonous).
• Fuchsias – the vibrant flowers look great as a garnish.
• Campanula – the narrow leaves make a sweet addition to salads.
• Yucca – the white flowers have a thick and crunchy texture and a sweet flavour. Be careful of the spines at the tips of the leaves when picking though!
• Typha – Reed Mace – the young shoots taste similar to water chestnuts and the rhizome can be eaten raw or cooked, or dried and ground into flour!
• Even the humble Daisies and Dandelions in your lawn can be picked and used as garnishes.
N.B. It’s fun to use some of these more unusual edible garden plants, but do be careful you are sure what they are, as so many of our common garden plants are in fact poisonous. If in doubt, leave it out!
Also, never use insecticides or chemicals on plants you may want to eat, and make sure you wash them carefully first – not least to get rid of the creepy-crawlies!
Using peppery Nasturtium flowers in salads and sweet, perfumed rose petals in desserts is quite well known, but did you also know:
• The young shoots of Hostas are good spinach alternative – Hostakopita is a Greek spinach pie made with hosta shoots and in Japan nori maki sushi is filled with parboiled hosta shoots marinated in soy sauce, sugar & salt. They can also be steamed like asparagus. Only use young shoots though as older leaves are too tough.
• Hemerocallis – Day Lily – the flowers and buds have a sweet nutty flavour and look pretty in salads. (Don’t use other types of lilies though as they are poisonous!)
• Violets & Pansies – the sweet, fragrant flowers can be used in salads, desserts and drinks and can be crystallised for cake decoration.
• Sunflowers – we all know you can eat the seeds, but did you know you can also eat the buds & petals? The petals have a bitter-sweet taste and can be used in salads. The unopened buds can be steamed and have a flavour similar to artichokes.
• Lilac – the flowers have a floral, slightly lemony flavour and can be used in salads.
• Honeysuckle – the flowers have a sweet honey flavour and can be used as a garnish for salads and desserts. (Don’t eat the berries though as they are poisonous).
• Fuchsias – the vibrant flowers look great as a garnish.
• Campanula – the narrow leaves make a sweet addition to salads.
• Yucca – the white flowers have a thick and crunchy texture and a sweet flavour. Be careful of the spines at the tips of the leaves when picking though!
• Typha – Reed Mace – the young shoots taste similar to water chestnuts and the rhizome can be eaten raw or cooked, or dried and ground into flour!
• Even the humble Daisies and Dandelions in your lawn can be picked and used as garnishes.
N.B. It’s fun to use some of these more unusual edible garden plants, but do be careful you are sure what they are, as so many of our common garden plants are in fact poisonous. If in doubt, leave it out!
Also, never use insecticides or chemicals on plants you may want to eat, and make sure you wash them carefully first – not least to get rid of the creepy-crawlies!
Congress, It's Like The Smell Coming From The Garbage Can
The Democrats in Congress and Obama are so intent on being right about health care that they got it passed even if it means many of them not being re-elected because of it. So, finally, at least some good might come of this.
Nancy Pelosi said recently about the health care bill, "We have to pass this bill so that you can find out what's in it." And Obama said the other day, "I haven't read the bill yet, but we need to pass it." This kind of makes you think Congress and Obama are like the Forrest Gumps of politicians saying, "Obamacare is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get."
When Nancy Pelosi became the Speaker of the House she said that this would be the most ethical Congress ever. But associating Congress with ethics is like associating Al Gore with charisma. There is actually an Ethics Committee in Congress and I'm assuming they are on the lookout for anyone there being ethical. So far they've found no one.
But a congressman trying to find ethics it's pretty much like a caveman trying to discover fire. It's something you've never seen before so you really don't know what it looks like. It compares to Tiger Wood discovering fidelity or Lady Gaga finding normalcy.
From many of the actions that Congress takes you'd think their collective IQs would have a hard time topping summer temperatures in Alaska. It makes you want to propose a reality show to the networks about Congress - Are You Smarter than Sandpaper? But the fact is that many of them are really intelligent people but when the mold was made for those people they forgot to provide space for that thing we talked about earlier in the article - ethics (but on Nancy Pelosi instead of ethics they put botox.)
Intelligence without ethics is how you get "brilliant" pieces of work like a stimulus package to spend your way of debt.
Let's just listen in on an interview with a Congressman that never made it to air (because the "ethics" committee wouldn't allow it):
Interviewer: What do you think is the biggest problem we face today, healthcare or unemployment?
Congressman: Neither one, it's being re-elected.
Interviewer: How is that a problem for the citizens of the United States?
Congressman: Oh, I didn't know we were talking about them. I thought we were talking about me. In that case I think the biggest problem is either steroid in sports or replacing the BCS system with a playoff in college football.
Interviewer: Why would those things be important to Congress?
Congressman: Well, first of all, Miss smarty pants interviewer, they are subjects where it makes Congress looks like we really care about something and so it makes us look good. And second it's something we can't really get in trouble for. Even though a lot of us take steroids and really, any type of drug you could imagine, legal or illegal, we aren't professional athletes, so it takes the limelight off of us and puts it somewhere else.
Interviewer: But how do those things fall under your jurisdiction?
Congressman: I guess you aren't listening. I already said it makes us look good and that is our biggest jurisdiction.
At that time a couple of Secret Service agent swept in and carted the interviewer off, never to be heard from again.
And with that said, it would be nice if we could just get rid of these guys by "unfriending" them in our Facebook accounts but at least we can vote them out in the next election.
Nancy Pelosi said recently about the health care bill, "We have to pass this bill so that you can find out what's in it." And Obama said the other day, "I haven't read the bill yet, but we need to pass it." This kind of makes you think Congress and Obama are like the Forrest Gumps of politicians saying, "Obamacare is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get."
When Nancy Pelosi became the Speaker of the House she said that this would be the most ethical Congress ever. But associating Congress with ethics is like associating Al Gore with charisma. There is actually an Ethics Committee in Congress and I'm assuming they are on the lookout for anyone there being ethical. So far they've found no one.
But a congressman trying to find ethics it's pretty much like a caveman trying to discover fire. It's something you've never seen before so you really don't know what it looks like. It compares to Tiger Wood discovering fidelity or Lady Gaga finding normalcy.
From many of the actions that Congress takes you'd think their collective IQs would have a hard time topping summer temperatures in Alaska. It makes you want to propose a reality show to the networks about Congress - Are You Smarter than Sandpaper? But the fact is that many of them are really intelligent people but when the mold was made for those people they forgot to provide space for that thing we talked about earlier in the article - ethics (but on Nancy Pelosi instead of ethics they put botox.)
Intelligence without ethics is how you get "brilliant" pieces of work like a stimulus package to spend your way of debt.
Let's just listen in on an interview with a Congressman that never made it to air (because the "ethics" committee wouldn't allow it):
Interviewer: What do you think is the biggest problem we face today, healthcare or unemployment?
Congressman: Neither one, it's being re-elected.
Interviewer: How is that a problem for the citizens of the United States?
Congressman: Oh, I didn't know we were talking about them. I thought we were talking about me. In that case I think the biggest problem is either steroid in sports or replacing the BCS system with a playoff in college football.
Interviewer: Why would those things be important to Congress?
Congressman: Well, first of all, Miss smarty pants interviewer, they are subjects where it makes Congress looks like we really care about something and so it makes us look good. And second it's something we can't really get in trouble for. Even though a lot of us take steroids and really, any type of drug you could imagine, legal or illegal, we aren't professional athletes, so it takes the limelight off of us and puts it somewhere else.
Interviewer: But how do those things fall under your jurisdiction?
Congressman: I guess you aren't listening. I already said it makes us look good and that is our biggest jurisdiction.
At that time a couple of Secret Service agent swept in and carted the interviewer off, never to be heard from again.
And with that said, it would be nice if we could just get rid of these guys by "unfriending" them in our Facebook accounts but at least we can vote them out in the next election.
Cartoon Humor Can Tickle Your Funny Bone
Didn't the world seem a lot better during Saturday morning cartoons? There was no school, no troubles and no homework worries as cartoon humor entertained us for hours. All it took was the favorite show, a bowl of corn flakes and a never ending smile. Somehow, the tradition faded in time but if you still like cartoons, you are in luck.
There are so many new options that you would be left confused. You can now enjoy cartoons on television shows, morning newspapers and the internet. Whenever you are lonely or sad, turn on your favorite cartoon and roll away in laughter. Remember that your responsibilities increase as you grow old, but the child inside you does not die. You can always bring that back by reading the morning Garfield strip or checking out the new SpongeBob show.
The comic strip in the newspapers was a favorite for most people as they grew up. What started out as a small strip has grown into a variety of world famous cartoons. You can probably remember Archies and Garfield. Now you can choose between a variety of cartoon strips from Calvin and Hobbes to The Wizard Of Id. If that is not enough, you can also catch your cartoons as television shows on morning channels. What can be better than bugs bunny outsmarting the hunter or the road runner defeating his smart enemies. You would laugh and laugh until you have tears in your eyes. From getting hit with anvils to blasting each other with cannons, it's a dream world of fun and laughter.
Cartoons have some of the funniest jokes and the wittiest punch lines. You can laugh at anything and anyone in cartoons. You could even make one yourself. Remember the bully who troubles you at school? Why not draw him as a fat slug and show him falling under a piano. That can surely bring a big grin to your face. Cartoon humor has been growing constantly.
If you are bored of the repeats on television, switch on your computer and log onto any cartoon site. You will hold your stomach, crying out in laughter as you see the funny range of cartoons. One year old talking babies or a family of idiots, all of them can make you laugh for hours. Books and movies, people and places, things and thoughts, all come alive with cartoons.
If you love cartoons, there is always something that you have never seen before. Starting from Mickey and the Disney Gang to Pokemon and SpongeBob, all are genius shows. If you feel you have watched them all, you can always watch exclusive clips or unreleased extras on the net. There is never a dull moment with the huge collection of cartoon pages and websites that is sure to make anyone laugh with pure fun. A bundle of laughs and memories of joy, cartoons keep being a part of our lives. It is up to you to enjoy the world of cartoon humor and always keep the laughs alive when you are feeling down.
And now I would like you to take a peek at some really funny stuff by going to this Kid-Friendly Website A top line resource on clean humor for young families with lots of things for kids to do.
There are so many new options that you would be left confused. You can now enjoy cartoons on television shows, morning newspapers and the internet. Whenever you are lonely or sad, turn on your favorite cartoon and roll away in laughter. Remember that your responsibilities increase as you grow old, but the child inside you does not die. You can always bring that back by reading the morning Garfield strip or checking out the new SpongeBob show.
The comic strip in the newspapers was a favorite for most people as they grew up. What started out as a small strip has grown into a variety of world famous cartoons. You can probably remember Archies and Garfield. Now you can choose between a variety of cartoon strips from Calvin and Hobbes to The Wizard Of Id. If that is not enough, you can also catch your cartoons as television shows on morning channels. What can be better than bugs bunny outsmarting the hunter or the road runner defeating his smart enemies. You would laugh and laugh until you have tears in your eyes. From getting hit with anvils to blasting each other with cannons, it's a dream world of fun and laughter.
Cartoons have some of the funniest jokes and the wittiest punch lines. You can laugh at anything and anyone in cartoons. You could even make one yourself. Remember the bully who troubles you at school? Why not draw him as a fat slug and show him falling under a piano. That can surely bring a big grin to your face. Cartoon humor has been growing constantly.
If you are bored of the repeats on television, switch on your computer and log onto any cartoon site. You will hold your stomach, crying out in laughter as you see the funny range of cartoons. One year old talking babies or a family of idiots, all of them can make you laugh for hours. Books and movies, people and places, things and thoughts, all come alive with cartoons.
If you love cartoons, there is always something that you have never seen before. Starting from Mickey and the Disney Gang to Pokemon and SpongeBob, all are genius shows. If you feel you have watched them all, you can always watch exclusive clips or unreleased extras on the net. There is never a dull moment with the huge collection of cartoon pages and websites that is sure to make anyone laugh with pure fun. A bundle of laughs and memories of joy, cartoons keep being a part of our lives. It is up to you to enjoy the world of cartoon humor and always keep the laughs alive when you are feeling down.
And now I would like you to take a peek at some really funny stuff by going to this Kid-Friendly Website A top line resource on clean humor for young families with lots of things for kids to do.
Gaddafi Vows Retaliation for Coalition Missile Strikes
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Tomahawk missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn on Saturday.Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi says the Mediterranean has been turned into a battlefield after Western air strikes yesterday and says he has opened arms depots for his people to defend the country.
Gaddafi, in a brief audio message broadcast on state television, condemned the allied Western attacks on Libya as ‘‘barbaric, unjustified Crusaders’ aggression.’’
He vowed to retaliate with military and civilian targets in the Mediterranean, warning that the interests of Mediterranean and North African countries were now ‘‘in danger.’’
‘‘The Mediterranean region has become a real battlefield,’’ he said. ‘‘Arms depots have been opened and all the Libyan people are being armed’’ to defend the country against Western forces.
British, French and US forces earlier on Saturday launched strikes from the air and sea against Gaddafi’s forces under a UN Security Council resolution to impose a ceasefire in a month-long showdown between loyalists and rebels.
US and British forces fired a barrage of at least 110 Tomahawk cruise missiles into Libya against Gaddafi’s air defences, the US military said. France said it carried out an initial four air strikes.
US Admiral William Gortney told reporters yesterday that "earlier this afternoon over 110 Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from both US and British ships and submarines struck more than 20 integrated air defence systems and other air defence facilities ashore".
Reuters also reported Italian and Canadian forces were involved in the operation.
US President Barack Obama said he had authorised US military action. "Today, I authorised the armed forces of the United States to begin a limited military action in Libya," said Obama, who is in Brazil on an official visit.
"We must be clear: actions have consequences, and the writ of the international community must be enforced," he said, adding that the operation would not expand into US boots on the ground in Libya.
"As I said yesterday, we will not - I repeat - we will not deploy any US troops on the ground," he said.
"I want the American people to know that the use of force is not our first choice, and it's not a choice that I make lightly.
"But we cannot stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people that there will be no mercy, and when his forces step up their assault on cities like Benghazi and Misrata where innocent men and women face brutality and death at the hands of their own government."
Odyssey Dawn
The US operation -- named "Odyssey Dawn" -- followed initial missions by French warplanes, which carried out four air strikes on Saturday, destroying several armoured vehicles of Gaddafi forces.
Two US Navy destroyers and three US submarines are positioned in the Meditteranean near Libya, all of which are equipped with Tomahawk missiles. The Pentagon said a barrage of Tomahawk cruise missiles struck more than 20 targets, including surface-to-air sites, early warning sites, and communications facilities.
French warplanes also carried out four air strikes in Libya , destroying several armoured vehicles of forces loyal to Gaddafi, the French military said.
According to the army chief, a first strike took place around 1645 GMT (0345 AEDT Sunday) against "a Libyan vehicle clearly identified as belonging to pro-Gaddafi forces".
Within the next hour, French Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighter jets conducted three other strikes, destroying armoured vehicles of the Libyan forces in the eastern region of Benghazi, the rebels' stronghold, the military said.
The operations are to continue through the night, the military said.
British in action
British forces are in action over Libya as part of a UN-sanctioned intervention to stop Gaddafi's forces, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Saturday.
"Tonight, British forces are in action over Libya. They are part of an international coalition that has come together to enforce the will of the United Nations and to protect the Libyan people," Cameron said.
He defended the action, saying it "is necessary, it is legal, and it is right."
"It is necessary because, with others, we should be trying to prevent him using his military against his own people.
"It is legal, because we have the backing of the United Nations Security Council and also of the Arab League and many others.
"And it is right because we believe we should not stand aside while this dictator murders his own people."
Cameron also praised the British armed forces as "the bravest of the brave".
The action came two days after a UN Security Council resolution authorised military action.
Tripoli bombed, claims media
Libyan media said Western warplanes bombed civilian targets in Tripoli, causing casualties, shortly after France's launch of the multinational air campaign against Gaddafi.
State television said hundreds of people had gathered at Bab al-Aziziyah, Gaddafi's Tripoli headquarters, and at the capital's international airport, ahead of the widely anticipated air strikes.
"Crowds are forming around the targets identified by France," the television reported, showing pictures of flag-waving people gathering to serve as human shields.
Last week, a highly placed French source referred to Bab al-Aziziya, a military air base in Sirte, east of the capital, and another in Sebha in the south as likely targets of a strike.
Russia's foreign ministry expressed regret over the armed intervention under UN Resolution 1973 "which was adopted in haste".
According to France's army chief, a first French air strike took place around 1645 GMT (0345 AEDT Sunday) against "a Libyan vehicle clearly identified as belonging to pro-Gaddafi forces".
Within the next hour, French Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighter jets conducted three other strikes, destroying armoured vehicles of the Libyan forces in the eastern region of Benghazi, the rebels' stronghold, the military said.
Gaddafi's response
Gaddafi said the Mediterranean has turned into a "real battlefield" after Western air strikes and opened arms depots for his people to defend the country.
In a brief audio message broadcast on state television, he condemned the allied Western attacks on Libya as "barbaric, unjustified Crusaders' aggression."
He vowed to retaliate with military and civilian targets in the Mediterranean, warning that the interests of Mediterranean and North African countries were now "in danger."
"The Mediterranean region has become a real battlefield," he said. "Arms depots have been opened and all the Libyan people are being armed" to defend the country against Western forces.
British Submarines Fire on Gaddafi's Forces
Prepared: F-18 fighters are parked at the NATO airbase in Aviano, Italy. International leaders have said Libya could face military action if it refuses to comply with UN resolutionThe British military are in action over Libya tonight, David Cameron confirmed, as an international coalition opened fire against Gaddafi's air defences. The Prime Minister said 'what we are doing is necessary, legal and right' as he confirmed British military operations had begun.
Britain, the U.S., France, Canada and Italy were all launching strikes tonight according to U.S. sources in the biggest international military intervention in the Arab world since the 2003 Iraq war.
Coalition troops fired more than 110 cruise missiles at Libyan targets in 'only the first phase' of a multiphase operation, a senior U.S. military official said on Saturday.
Vice Admiral Bill Gortney, director of the U.S. military's Joint Staff, declined to discuss what the next phase of the operations would be. He said more than 20 sites had been targeted in coalition strikes so far.
A UK submarine is understood to have been stationed in the Mediterranean for some time without being detected. Mr Cameron said Colonel Gaddafi had stepped up his campaign against his people despite announcing a ceasefire.
The Prime Minister said 'we should not stand aside while a dictator murders his people' as reports suggested explosions had been heard in the capital Tripoli.
Speaking after a Cobra meeting in Downing Street, he said: 'We have all seen the appalling brutality that Colonel Gaddafi has meted out against his own people. And far from introducing the ceasefire he spoke about, he has actually stepped up the attacks and the brutality that we can all see.
'So what we are doing is necessary, it is legal, and it is right.
He added: 'Tonight, of course our thoughts should be with those in our armed services who are putting their lives at risk in order to save the lives of others. They are the bravest of the brave.
Up to 20 French planes were said to be patrolling the air above Libya enforcing the no-fly zone and had destroyed four Libyan tanks in air strikes. The U.S. Navy had fired Tomahawk missiles at coastal Libyan air defences from their submarines, according to reports.
The Chief of Defence Staff's strategic communications officer Major General John Lorimer said: 'I can confirm that British Armed Forces, as authorised by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, have participated in a co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems.
'The UK has launched guided Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) from a Trafalgar Class submarine as part of a co-ordinated coalition plan to enforce the resolution.
'This is the first stage. UK and partner forces remain engaged in ongoing operations as we seek to ensure that Colonel Gaddafi and his forces understand that the international community will not stand by and watch them kill civilians.'
French Defence Ministry spokesman Thierry Burkhard said the first strike had been reported at around 4.45pm on a military vehicle.
Prime Minister David Cameron joined other world leaders - including representatives of several Arab states - at an emergency summit in Paris which agreed to deploy military aircraft to stop the assault on rebel stronghold Benghazi.
Colonel Gaddafi earlier flouted his own ceasefire and the UN resolution by continuing heavy artillery bombardment on the eastern city as tanks were reported in the streets.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced that his country's air force was operating in the skies over Libya, while further French fighters stood ready to target Gaddafi's tanks and armoured vehicles.
Mirage and Rafale fighters were patrolling the skies above Benghazi and could be used to target Libyan tanks as they shell civilian areas of the city.
It was not immediately clear how soon the RAF's Typhoon and Tornado fighters will go into action, although the Dutch Prime Minister was reported to have said that UK, U.S. and French planes could be deployed later today.
Despite a ceasefire announced yesterday by Gaddafi's regime, artillery fire at opposition-held cities Benghazi, Misrata and Ajdabiya continued today.
A Russian foreign ministry tonight said they 'regret' the military action being taken by the West. U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said they would support the international coalition - but would not deploy troops on the ground.
'The US will not deploy ground troops but there should be no mistaking our commitment to this effort,' she said.
'Colonel Gaddafi continues to defy the world and his attacks on civilians go on. As President Obama has said, we have every reason to fear that left unchecked, Gaddafi will commit unspeakable atrocities.
'We all recognise that further delay will only put more civilians at risk.'
She added: 'Let me be clear about the position of the US. We will support an international coalition as it takes all necessary measures to enforce the terms of Resolution 1973.'
A U.S. official said the Navy was planning a sea-launched missile attack from the Mediterranean against elements of Libya's coastal air defences.
The U.S. has submarines, destroyers, amphibious assault and landing ships in the vicinity. The rebel fighter shot down this morning was believed to have been hit by Gaddafi's forces, before crashing into the suburbs of Benghazi.
Residents said they had been under continuous bombardment since this morning. One person, identified only as Sam, told Sky News: 'We have been under continuous bombing since about six o'clock this morning. It was non-stop.'
She described shells hitting houses and cars in residential areas of the city. She added: 'Civilians are being attacked in Benghazi.'
Rebel leaders said Gaddafi's forces had entered the city as they hastily put up concrete barricades to defend their headquarters. Reports of skirmishes between loyalist forces and rebels have emerged, with claims that fighter jets have bombed the road to the airport.
The Libyan government has denied its forces were in action in Benghazi, and blamed rebels for trying to spark international military action in the country.
Angus MacSwan, a correspondent for Reuters, said: 'I saw the plane circle around, come out of the clouds, head towards an apparent target, and then it was hit and went straight down in flames and a huge billow of black smoke went up.
'It seems it was attacking the Benghazi military barracks.'
Initial reports stated the fighter jet belonged to Gaddafi's forces, but this was later denied by rebel leaders.
Explosions have been heard in the city since the early hours of the morning, with rebel fighters claiming hired mercenaries were beginning to infiltrate the city.Khalid Ahmed, a rebel fighter, said: 'They were 40 miles away yesterday, they are 12 miles away and they can be here in a half our to 90 minutes.'
A BBC correspondent also reported seeing tanks on the streets of Benghazi. Two mercenaries were killed in a firefight with opposition forces in the Benghazi suburbs.
The two men, in civilian clothes, were shot and killed and blood-soaked identity papers revealed they were Nigerian.
Libyan forces have insisted they were holding to a ceasefire announced yesterday and repeated an invitation for international observers to enter the country today to monitor it.
Deputy foreign minister Khaled Kaim told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The ceasefire is real, credible and solid. We are willing to receive observes as soon as possible, even today.'
U.S. ambassador to the UN Susan Rice last night said the Libyan leader was already in violation of the UN Security Council resolution 1973, passed on Thursday, which called for an immediate end to hostilities and authorised 'all necessary measures' short of foreign occupation to protect civilians.
She told CNN that Gaddafi would face 'swift and sure consequences including military action' if he ignored international demands.
Residents in the rebel-held city of Misrata said they faced heavy shelling yesterday - denied by Gaddafi's government - another breach of the broad-ranging UN resolution.
At least 38 people are believed to have been killed in the attack in Misrata. But Gaddafi condemned the resolution. He told Al Jazeera: 'This is blatant colonialism. It does not have any justification.
'This will have serious consequences on the Mediterranean and on Europe.'
Libya's oil ministry also urged Western firms which abandoned operations in the country at the outbreak of unrest last month to return, warning that contracts may otherwise be handed over to companies from countries such as China and India.
RAF fighter jets were deploying to the Mediterranean to join the international effort to protect Libya's people from aerial assault by Gaddafi's forces.
Neither the Ministry of Defence nor Downing Street would last night confirm whether any RAF planes had set off on their mission, codenamed Operation Ellamy, or where they would be based in the Mediterranean.
Mr Cameron yesterday said that Typhoons and Tornados, together with surveillance and air-to-air refuelling craft, would be ready to leave within hours.
Gerard Araud, French ambassador to the UN, said: 'So I guess that after this summit, I think that in the coming hours, I think we will got to launch the military intervention.'
President Obama has made it clear that any military action would aim to change conditions across the whole of Libya - rather than just in the rebel-held east.
He said: 'All attacks against civilians must stop. Gaddafi must stop his troops from advancing on Benghazi, pull them back from Ajdabiya, Misrata and Zawiyah, and establish water, electricity and gas supplies to all areas.
'Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to reach the people of Libya.
'Let me be clear, these terms are not negotiable. If Gaddafi does not comply... the resolution will be enforced through military action.'
Indonesia Screens Japan Travellers for Radiation
Indonesia gave a preliminary all-clear Saturday after radiation-screening passengers arriving at Jakarta airport from Japan, which is battling to prevent leaks at a stricken nuclear power plant.
“The nuclear energy regulatory agency, with the airport’s management, started to carry out screenings on Tuesday,” Soekarno Hatta international airport official Frans Yoseph told AFP.
“Up until now we have not detected any sign of radiation,” Yoseph said adding that they will continue to conduct checks until the Japan’s nuclear crisis ends.
The team conducted screenings for passengers, crew members and luggage coming off direct flights from Japan, he said, adding that there were six flights to and from Tokyo and Narita every day.
A 9.0-magnitude earthquake on March 11 triggered a giant tsunami that flattened Japan’s northeast coast and killed 7,197, according to the latest police death toll, with almost 11,000 officially listed as missing.
Four of the six reactors at Fukushima No. 1 plant have been in danger of leaking dangerous amounts of radioactivity after an earthquake and tsunami led to a series of hydrogen explosions and fires at buildings housing the units.
“The nuclear energy regulatory agency, with the airport’s management, started to carry out screenings on Tuesday,” Soekarno Hatta international airport official Frans Yoseph told AFP.
“Up until now we have not detected any sign of radiation,” Yoseph said adding that they will continue to conduct checks until the Japan’s nuclear crisis ends.
The team conducted screenings for passengers, crew members and luggage coming off direct flights from Japan, he said, adding that there were six flights to and from Tokyo and Narita every day.
A 9.0-magnitude earthquake on March 11 triggered a giant tsunami that flattened Japan’s northeast coast and killed 7,197, according to the latest police death toll, with almost 11,000 officially listed as missing.
Four of the six reactors at Fukushima No. 1 plant have been in danger of leaking dangerous amounts of radioactivity after an earthquake and tsunami led to a series of hydrogen explosions and fires at buildings housing the units.
"Old Players" Could Have been behind Jakarta Bomb Terror
Head of National Antiterror Agency (BNPT) Ansyaad Mbai said the bomb terror that had continuously rocked Jakarta this week could be the work of "old players".
"Considering the raw materials and bomb detonator (used in the ’book bomb’), I think it could be the work of old players." he told participants of a seminar on the book bomb issue here Saturday.
Ansyaad Mbai argued that the bombs planted inside books the terrorists had sent to a number of important people this week had generally the same types as those ever made before. Therefore, the acts of terrorism through the book bombs were likely done by old players who had been recruited by "new operators", he said.
The book bomb terrorists could be from the old group of late Imam Samudra or a group which had nothing to do with the old one. The bomb makers could also be individuals who were inspired by the previous acts of terrorism, he said adding that the police had to reveal the book bomb cases and bring all perpetrators to court.
Ansyaad Mbai also warned the people of being more careful with and alert to any suspicious package sent by the people that they did not know. "If the packages are sent by unknown people and the contents are suspicious, please immediately report to the police," he said.
A series of bomb threats have rocked some parts of Indonesia this week. On Tuesday, four packages containing books with bombs planted in them were sent to Ulil Abshar Abdalla, activist of the Islam Liberal Network, Goris Mere, the chief of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency, Yapto Soeryosumarno, the chief of the Pancasila Youth organization, and Ahmad Dhani, a musician.
Then, a plastic bag containing a bomb was also found in Cibubur, Bogor district. A Bank Central Asia (BCA) building at Serpong Road, Banten Province, also received a bomb threat on Friday.
On Saturday, a church at Titi Papan Road in Medan, North Sumatran province, also received a bomb threat. However, a bomb planted in a book in Jakarta on Tuesday exploded and injured three people.
Indonesia has been fighting terrorist cells in the country since the 2002 Bali bombings that claimed 202 lives, including 88 Australian holiday makers. Two years before the terrorists attacked the resort island of Bali, Indonesia was rocked by the Christmas eve bombings in 2000.
The latest bombing incident occurred in July 2009. At that time, two suicide bombers simultaneously attacked two luxurious hotels in South Jakarta, killing several people.
"Considering the raw materials and bomb detonator (used in the ’book bomb’), I think it could be the work of old players." he told participants of a seminar on the book bomb issue here Saturday.
Ansyaad Mbai argued that the bombs planted inside books the terrorists had sent to a number of important people this week had generally the same types as those ever made before. Therefore, the acts of terrorism through the book bombs were likely done by old players who had been recruited by "new operators", he said.
The book bomb terrorists could be from the old group of late Imam Samudra or a group which had nothing to do with the old one. The bomb makers could also be individuals who were inspired by the previous acts of terrorism, he said adding that the police had to reveal the book bomb cases and bring all perpetrators to court.
Ansyaad Mbai also warned the people of being more careful with and alert to any suspicious package sent by the people that they did not know. "If the packages are sent by unknown people and the contents are suspicious, please immediately report to the police," he said.
A series of bomb threats have rocked some parts of Indonesia this week. On Tuesday, four packages containing books with bombs planted in them were sent to Ulil Abshar Abdalla, activist of the Islam Liberal Network, Goris Mere, the chief of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency, Yapto Soeryosumarno, the chief of the Pancasila Youth organization, and Ahmad Dhani, a musician.
Then, a plastic bag containing a bomb was also found in Cibubur, Bogor district. A Bank Central Asia (BCA) building at Serpong Road, Banten Province, also received a bomb threat on Friday.
On Saturday, a church at Titi Papan Road in Medan, North Sumatran province, also received a bomb threat. However, a bomb planted in a book in Jakarta on Tuesday exploded and injured three people.
Indonesia has been fighting terrorist cells in the country since the 2002 Bali bombings that claimed 202 lives, including 88 Australian holiday makers. Two years before the terrorists attacked the resort island of Bali, Indonesia was rocked by the Christmas eve bombings in 2000.
The latest bombing incident occurred in July 2009. At that time, two suicide bombers simultaneously attacked two luxurious hotels in South Jakarta, killing several people.
Indonesia Trying to Reduce Maternal Death Rate
Indonesia is trying to reduce maternal death rate from currently at 228 per 100,000 living births to 102 by 2015. Coordinating minister for people’s welfare Agung Laksono said here on Saturday "it must drop to 102 by 2015."
The minister said the rate of maternal deaths in the country was still very high and even the highest among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He said the government had been committed to reducing the rate in line with the Millennium Development Goals.
One of the efforts to realize the goal is preparing various health facilities especially for delivery processing. Besides preparing the facilities the government also tried to produce professional midwives that have skills in helping delivery, he said. The minister said he admitted that the number of such facilities and professional midwives was not big especially in the regions and small islands.
"In remote islands it could take days to get the facilities or professional midwives," he said. He stated the government would provide the budget for it with regard to reducing the rate of maternal deaths.
The minister said the rate of maternal deaths in the country was still very high and even the highest among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He said the government had been committed to reducing the rate in line with the Millennium Development Goals.
One of the efforts to realize the goal is preparing various health facilities especially for delivery processing. Besides preparing the facilities the government also tried to produce professional midwives that have skills in helping delivery, he said. The minister said he admitted that the number of such facilities and professional midwives was not big especially in the regions and small islands.
"In remote islands it could take days to get the facilities or professional midwives," he said. He stated the government would provide the budget for it with regard to reducing the rate of maternal deaths.
Indonesia to Raise ASEAN Member States' Assistance for Japan
The RI government is ready to raise assistance from ASEAN member states for post-disaster reconstruction for Japan due to the Indonesian chairmanship of ASEAN this year, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa here Saturday.
"One of RI’s concerns as ASEAN chair this year is about how to raise support from the member states in relation to the disasters that hit Japan," said Marty at his office here Saturday.
He said Indonesia, as ASEAN chairman in 2011, was responsible to encourage other member countries to help Japan not only in an emergency, but also to assist in restructuring the country after the 9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan on March 11.
"Now is the time for Indonesia to show its capacity as ASEAN chair to collect assistance from the member states and also to encourage them to be proactive in helping Japan for its reconstruction," said the Minister here Saturday.
In relation to the disaster that hit Japan, the government of Indonesia had sent teams to Japan involving rapid reaction teams comprising 60 people, he said. The team would be sent to Japan in stages, he added.
"The first team of 15 people had arrived in Tokyo and we got information that they are now in Miyagi to help the Indonesians there," he said.
He also said that the focus of the team was to relocate the Indonesians as priority and also the peoples of the other ASEAN member states. Moreover, he said, RI would send 1.700 blankets to Japan tonight and another 10.000 blankets had already been sent.
Marty also urged the Indonesians who wanted to deliver relieve aid for Japanese to contact the Foreign Ministry for the sake of efficiency. "I hope the people who want to send humanitarian and relief aid will contact our ministry because the Japanese government needs assistance in many forms," he added.
"One of RI’s concerns as ASEAN chair this year is about how to raise support from the member states in relation to the disasters that hit Japan," said Marty at his office here Saturday.
He said Indonesia, as ASEAN chairman in 2011, was responsible to encourage other member countries to help Japan not only in an emergency, but also to assist in restructuring the country after the 9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan on March 11.
"Now is the time for Indonesia to show its capacity as ASEAN chair to collect assistance from the member states and also to encourage them to be proactive in helping Japan for its reconstruction," said the Minister here Saturday.
In relation to the disaster that hit Japan, the government of Indonesia had sent teams to Japan involving rapid reaction teams comprising 60 people, he said. The team would be sent to Japan in stages, he added.
"The first team of 15 people had arrived in Tokyo and we got information that they are now in Miyagi to help the Indonesians there," he said.
He also said that the focus of the team was to relocate the Indonesians as priority and also the peoples of the other ASEAN member states. Moreover, he said, RI would send 1.700 blankets to Japan tonight and another 10.000 blankets had already been sent.
Marty also urged the Indonesians who wanted to deliver relieve aid for Japanese to contact the Foreign Ministry for the sake of efficiency. "I hope the people who want to send humanitarian and relief aid will contact our ministry because the Japanese government needs assistance in many forms," he added.