Thursday, December 19, 2019

19 December - Blogs I'm Following - 2 of 5

11 pm MST

Just How Deadly Is Israel's IWI DAN .338 Sniper Rifle?

Mark Episkopos at The National Interest - 6 hours ago
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, Middle East* [image: Reuters] Let's take a look. *Key point:* Israel makes a wide variety of well-regarded weapons. Israeli Weapon Industries (IWI) is best known as the creator of the Uzi, a compact submachine gun that went on to become a global export hit in the 1960’s. IWI’s other notable products include the Galil and Tavor, both of which have become formidable export contenders in their own right. Following its privatization in 2005, IWI has sought to diversify beyond its current crop of submachine guns, pistols, and assault rifles. Most recently,... more »

Investigation: Buttigieg Took Thousands of Dollars From Active Foreign Agents

Matthew Petti at The National Interest - 6 hours ago
*Matthew Petti* *Politics, Americas* [image: Reuters] Mayor Pete swore off 2020 campaign money from lobbyists—but there are still questions around his foreign-linked money. Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has received over $9,000 from foreign-linked lobbyists, including over $7,000 from active foreign agents, a *National Interest* investigation has found. Buttigieg, who has come under heavy scrutiny for his lobbyist connections, promised back in April to refund $30,0250 in lobbyist donations from thirty-nine individuals. His campaign did return some of the donati... more »

The Navy Is Putting Laser Guns on Its Destroyers and It Is Epic

David Axe at The National Interest - 6 hours ago
*David Axe* *Technology, Americas* [image: Reuters] The future is here. *Key Point: *Laser turrets will zap incoming missiles, aircraft, and drones. The U.S. Navy apparently has installed a new laser cannon on one of its destroyers. The installation could represent a big step forward for the U.S. fleet as it scrambles to deploy defenses against Chinese and Russian anti-ship missiles. A source provided to Tyler Rogoway, editor of The War Zone, a photo of the *Arleigh Burke*-class destroyer USS *Dewey *at the naval base in San Diego. In the photo, *Dewey *appears to sport a new la... more »

British Submarines Helped America Win World War II In The Pacific

Warfare History Network at The National Interest - 6 hours ago
*Warfare History Network* *History, Asia* During all of 1944 through January 1945, three British subs were sunk and one severely damaged by enemy action in the Indian Ocean. During World War II, after the Royal Navy’s traumatic departure from the Pacific Ocean in early 1942, the 4th Submarine Flotilla and its depot ship, the HMS *Adamant*, operated with the Eastern Fleet based at Trincomalee––a large, natural harbor located on the coast of Sri Lanka in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Dutch submarines joined them and were placed under British operational control after the fall of t... more »

America Cannot Afford to Leave The Open Skies Treaty

Dana Struckman at The National Interest - 6 hours ago
*Dana Struckman* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] Pulling out of Open Skies will put the European members on edge, and rightly so; European members view it as one of the last formal, active accords allowing for transparency and dialogue between two nuclear superpowers where they are stuck squarely in the middle. The Trump administration’s apparent dislike of treaties, particularly arms control agreements, is no secret. There are plenty of examples. Talks with Russia involving a possible extension of the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) have stalled, the Unite... more »

The Jersey City Tragedy Puts a Spotlight on America's Tribalism

Keith Zakheim at The National Interest - 6 hours ago
*Keith Zakheim* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] The American brand of “nationalism” has always been of the elastic type. It proudly proclaims its parochial eccentricities but is built on a firm foundation that embraces human differences. The human tragedy of the Jersey City shooting is numbing: innocent lives were taken, families torn apart, and communities paralyzed by catastrophe and fear. While the tragedy is self-evident and well covered, tribalism, the underlying cause of the Jersey City tragedy and the thousands of other hate crimes that are now accepted as part and p... more »

Leftist dishonesty and racism: Notorious RBG edition

trinko at Conversations about the obvious - 6 hours ago
The left holds up Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg as a paradigm of what a perfect Supreme Court justice should be. Which says a lot about leftists. At an awards ceremony she said: *“The text I interpret most often is the U.S. constitution; it is, indeed, a living constitution. Who would want to be governed by a dead one?”* That comment is actually an admission that she's betraying America and not holding to her oath of office. To see why that's let's start by asking what it means to be living? In this context it means to grow and change. But the Constitution does not in fact grow a... more »

University of California System Faces Civil Rights Lawsuit Over Standardized Testing

Sara Weissman at Diverse - 6 hours ago
The University of California system was hit with a civil rights lawsuit last week over required standardized testing. The plaintiffs – four students, six nonprofits and the Compton Unified School District – accused University of California regents of knowingly putting student of color and students with disabilities at a disadvantage by requiring the SAT or ACT from applicants.

WITHHOLDING THE ARTICLES: IS IT REALLY WORKING? (updated)

Steve M. at No More Mister Nice Blog - 6 hours ago
Here's what I wrote on Monday, in response to the notion that House Democrats should pass articles of impeachment and then hold them without transmitting them to the Senate: Trump won't care. He'll portray an aborted impeachment as a non-impeachment. He'll say Democrats got cold feet because they knew they were going to lose in the Senate. (Right and wrong don't matter to Trump or to Trump's base, only winning and losing.) I expected this to be an argument made by Trump alone, the stuff of tweets or rally speeches. As it turns out, the president has attorneys working to make it rea... more »

Bill Gates’ Plan to Use Invisible Ink to Tattoo Vaccination Status into Children’s Skin

AdminM at Medical Kidnap - 6 hours ago
Karen Weintraub, writing for the Scientific American, a pro-Pharma and pro-vaccine publication, has just reported that a group of Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers have just developed a method of embedding a person's vaccination record directly into their skin using a special dye that is invisible to the naked eye. Not only does this technology embed medical information into a person's skin, it will also make vaccine deliveries into the body much easier, so that medical professionals are not even needed to administer the vaccines. Bill Gates is reportedly the one wh... more »

Trump's Impeachers Deliver Big Win To Trump Passing USMCA Trade Deal ( While Likely Guaranteeing Second Term Win)

Penny at Penny for your thoughts - 6 hours ago
*Yup, as of this moment... today, December 19/2019. It looks to me as if the House Democrats just guaranteed Trump's Electoral WIN! * *The impeachment was sad political theater and nothing else. Oh the democrats are looking so... righteous, YET, while everyone is distracted by fluff and rubbish they hand Trump the golden goose. Trade deal distraction provided for by the impeachment coverage.* House passes USMCA, delivering win to Trump *The House on Thursday* *overwhelmingly passed the new North American trade pact*, *delivering President Donald Trump a major legislative victory jus... more »

The impeachment of President Trump

Norma at Collecting My Thoughts - 6 hours ago
I've only served on one jury trial--it was in 2002 and the people strange. (The law called Scott Pontzer--aka the Golden Turkey--was reversed the next year.) But not a one of us were deciding 3 years before the incident happened to declare the person guilty. But that's our Democrats in Congress. And a lot of Democrats on the ground. Only about 45% of Americans are ever called for jury duty and perhaps 17% serve, so that may be why so few people know how the Democrats are violating basic rights, or that the House, either party, can really impeach for no reason, no guilt and no proo... more »

Democrats are very confused about values

Norma at Collecting My Thoughts - 6 hours ago
My Democrat friends have been rending their clothes and wearing ashes since before the President was inaugurated. They are so clairvoyant they were demanding impeachment before they could find a hoax to call a crime. I'm not surprised it's called a witch hunt, or at least something with supernatural powers. They've moved to the alarming desperation of referring to themselves as patriots and constitutionalists. Meanwhile they are calling Trump supporters "cults" because they vote and support someone who kept his promises about Israel, the military, the border, the VA, ICE, jobs for... more »

"The Worst Global Depression Is Nigh"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 6 hours ago
*"The Worst Global Depression Is Nigh"* by Egon von Greyerz "Since the Great Financial Crisis started in 2006, global debt has more than doubled from $125 trillion to $260 trillion. The more money that has been printed, the lower interest rates have gone. In 2006 US short term rates were 5% and between 2008 and 2015 they were ZERO. Today they are at 1.5%. But at the same time almost $13 trillion global debt stands at negative rates. So the world has manufactured $135 trillion debt with the push of a few buttons and at ZERO cost since 2006. This means that more than 2x annual glob... more »

"Economic Market Snapshot PM 12/19/19"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 6 hours ago
*Updated frequently as available.* ◆ PM 12/19/19: Gregory Mannerino, "EUPHORIA IN THE MARKETS! AND THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT, COUNT ON IT" - https://www.traderschoice.net/ ◆ *MarketWatch Market Summary, Live Updates* - https://www.marketwatch.com/tools/marketsummary *CNN Market Data:* - http://money.cnn.com/data/markets/ *CNN Fear And Greed Index:* - http://money.cnn.com/data/fear-and-greed/ — § — *Buffett Indicator: Where Are We with Market Valuations?* "As of 12/19/19 (updates daily): The Stock Market is Significantly Overvalued. Based on historical ratio of total market cap ... more »

House of Representatives Passes USMCA Integration Scheme

Christian Gomez at rss - 6 hours ago
[image: house-of-representatives-passes-usmca-integration-scheme] By a vote of 385 Yeas to 41 Nays, House Democrats and Republicans passed the USMCA Implementation Act.

Militia Rises in Virginia to Fight State’s Anti-gun Tyranny

Selwyn Duke at rss - 6 hours ago
[image: militia-rises-in-virginia-to-fight-state-s-anti-gun-tyranny] In response to onerous gun-control laws passed by the Democrat-controlled Virginia State Legislature, Tazewell County, Virginia, is forming a militia to defend their right to keep and bear arms.

Court Strikes Down Part of ObamaCare, Casting Doubt on Law’s Future

Luis Miguel at rss - 6 hours ago
[image: court-strikes-down-part-of-obamacare-casting-doubt-on-law-s-future] A federal appeals court invalidated the ObamaCare individual mandate, but the fate of the rest of the law remains to be decided.

Texas Judge Fighting State for Right to Decline Same-sex “Marriages”

Dave Bohon at rss - 6 hours ago
[image: texas-judge-fighting-state-for-right-to-decline-same-sex-marriages] A county judge is suing the state of Texas for being reprimanded over her refusal to perform same-sex “marriages.”

Boris Johnson and 21st Century Class Politics

Phil at All That Is Solid ... - 6 hours ago
It's happened more than once. Since last Thursday a number of colleagues have said they thought about me as the election results rolled in. Not because I'm our office's Mr Labour or the fact there's very little to me except politics, but because of my shtick. If I'm known for anything at all it's as the Tory decline guy. I've banged on about how Labour is increasingly aligned with an emergent and ever-more dominant section of the working class, and also how, on the flip side, the changing class structure and composition of the Tory vote is storing up significant problems for them. ... more »

Left your Christmas shopping to the last minute? Save time and money with these ideas

Lucia Stein at Just In - 7 hours ago
Have you left present-shopping a week out from D-day and haven't budgeted for it? Don't worry, these people have some ideas for you.

If you're struggling with the heat, spare a thought for people in public housing

Kellie Hollingworth at Just In - 7 hours ago
Right around Australia there's no requirement to provide air conditioning in public housing, even in places like Mildura in north-west Victoria, where temperatures regularly nudge 40C in summer.

Cane toads could become unlikely saviour of Queensland's endangered turtles

Johanna Marie at Just In - 7 hours ago
Cane toads have wreaked havoc on native species since being introduced to Queensland almost a century ago, but now they could have a purpose saving endangered turtle eggs from goanna attacks.

US shares rise on hopes that China trade deal won't be lost in translation

Sue Lannin at Just In - 7 hours ago
US stocks again hit record highs, as the nation's Treasury secretary says a trade deal with China is complete and is now just going through translation.

Adelaide woman severs her toe trying to escape home invasion

Just In - 7 hours ago
A woman is rushed to hospital with her severed toe in a plastic bag after catching her foot while trying to escape a home invasion in Adelaide's north overnight.

'Swinger' who abused eight-year-old girl in group sex sessions wins cut to jail sentence

Joanna Menagh at Just In - 7 hours ago
A 58-year-old man who sexually abused a young Perth girl in group sessions involving up to four adults, including her mother and stepfather, has his 21-year jail term cut on appeal

'I deeply regret any offence caused': PM heads home from holiday amid bushfire crisis

Stephanie Dalzell at Just In - 7 hours ago
The Prime Minister says he will return to Australia as soon can be arranged, amid criticism over his family holiday to Hawaii during the bushfire crisis.

'There is definitely a different feel at this time': How women handle Christmas in prison

Just In - 7 hours ago
Christmas Day in prison can be an emotional hit for prisoners, especially women, so how do they handle it?

Is keeping a rental cool in the heat a landlord's responsibility?

Ben Nielsen at Just In - 7 hours ago
Do you rent and are feeling the heat? Several renters have told the ABC about their experiences in asking for upgrades to beat the heat, so we've taken a look at what you're entitled to do.

'Exponential growth' in business climate action as more investors abandon coal

Stephen Long at Just In - 7 hours ago
Investors are voting with their dollars, as one of the world's biggest investment banks joins other financial institutions in ruling out finance for coal-fired power generation.

Gotham City Digest

jurassicpork at Welcome Back to Gotham City - 7 hours ago
(No one stands behind us while we work. Especially on Mexican food day.) ------------------------------ I shouldn't be surprised that cops nowadays are still this glorified form of witchcraft. Why don't they go back to using phrenology while they're at it? ------------------------------ Americans to the British after their healthcare system gets sold to private companies. ------------------------------ I'm amazed Van Drew's entire staff didn't walk out on him and take all his office supplies with them. ------------------------------ The right wing scumbags aren't ... more »

Some in GOP Want Trump Apology for Denigrating Late Rep. John Dingell

AP News at Snopes.com - 7 hours ago
President Donald Trump’s impeachment night crack that the late Michigan Rep. John Dingell might be “looking up” from hell drew wide scorn and scant defense from his allies.

Pelosi Demands Impeachment Trial Info Before Sending Charges

AP News at Snopes.com - 7 hours ago
“We’d like to see a fair process, but we’ll see what they have and will be ready for whatever it is,” Pelosi said at the Capitol.

Surveillance Footage Outside of Jeffrey Epstein’s Cell During Suicide Attempt is Missing

Erin Elizabeth at Health Nut News - 7 hours ago
Prosecutors revealed Wednesday that surveillance footage of the outside of Jeffrey Epstein’s cell at the troubled Metropolitan Correctional Center during his suicide attempt has gone missing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Swergold acknowledged during a hearing in White Plains District Court that nobody could find the footage of the outside of the cell the multimillionaire pedophile […] The post Surveillance Footage Outside of Jeffrey Epstein’s Cell During Suicide Attempt is Missing appeared first on Health Nut News.

The Military Is Getting Ready to Fight China and Russia at the Same Time

Kris Osborn at The National Interest - 7 hours ago
*Kris Osborn* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] Just in case? *Key Point:* New technologies and postures will be necessary in case of a major war. (Washington, D.C.) If a large mechanized unit of armored ground forces were “closing” with an enemy amid heavy artillery and cannon fire - but did not have overhead aircraft or satellite surveillance while transiting rigorous terrain - how could they fully discern the source of incoming fire? How might they pursue the safest and most lethal method of attack? This kind of scenario represents one of many contingencies now informing ... more »

Key US Senate leader signals major changes to cannabis banking bill, dimming prospects for significant reforms in 2020

Jeff Smith at Marijuana Business Daily - 7 hours ago
U.S. Senate Banking Chair Michael Crapo, an Idaho Republican, laid the foundation for his own version of cannabis banking reform with a potentially onerous THC potency cap when he released a statement saying he doesn’t support the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking (SAFE) Act as is. In September, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the SAFE Act, which would […] Key US Senate leader signals major changes to cannabis banking bill, dimming prospects for significant reforms in 2020 is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis en... more »

House Ratifies USMCA Trade Agreement 385-41, Then Immediate Recess – Dems Head for The Exits…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 7 hours ago
As expected the House of Representatives has passed the USMCA trade agreement with an overwhelming 385 to 41 vote. Pelosi’s political objective was to use USMCA to water down the toxic political environment created by her impeachment fiasco: Also as … Continue reading →

Incoherent Nancy Pelosi Releases the Flying Monkeys…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 7 hours ago
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded to questions and concerns about the construct of a heavily partisan impeachment process and her refusal to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate. Highlighting the tenuous nature of the position now held by … Continue reading →

Battle at the border: 5 essential reads on asylum, citizenship and the right to live in the US

Aviva Rutkin, Data Editor at Politics + Society – The Conversation - 7 hours ago
Many want to come to the United States, as an asylee, a migrant or a citizen. But those journeys have become more complicated.

Iceland blizzard brings up to 10 feet of mountain snow

Robert at Ice Age Now - 7 hours ago
“Mammoth” snow totals. Some communities isolated. ___________ “Much of Iceland is digging out following a potent blizzard that brought winds topping 100 mph and yards of snow to some areas,” says the Washington Post. “As many as 20,000 people lost power as temperatures tumbled into the teens and 20s, with a few communities isolated.” This ... Read moreIceland blizzard brings up to 10 feet of mountain snow The post Iceland blizzard brings up to 10 feet of mountain snow appeared first on Ice Age Now.

Breaking: Rep. Jeff VanDrew (New Jersey) leaves the Democrat party...

Adrienne at Adrienne's Corner - 7 hours ago
*becomes a Republican.* Will we be seeing more? President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence welcome him home. Funny - *Wiki* has already changed his page to Republican. Please take a moment to check out my previous post and *the request for feedback.*

Your Gift is the Key to Reaching Our Goals. Stand with Us…United in Truth.

Laura Bono at Children's Health Defense - 7 hours ago
As CHD forges into 2020, RFK, Jr. will be lighting our way. Unifying efforts. Seeking justice. Amplifying voices. Saving our children. Establishing safeguards. Building a powerhouse. RFK, Jr. (from the video): “I’m telling you… do not despair! We are going to win this battle. We have plans and we have a strategy. We are […] The post Your Gift is the Key to Reaching Our Goals. Stand with Us…United in Truth. appeared first on Children's Health Defense.

Policy Brief Highlights Need for Higher Education Institutions to Create Systematic Changes Within Teaching

Sarah Wood at Diverse - 8 hours ago
A new report by the Aurora Institute, previously known as iNACOL, details the need for higher education institutions to create systematic changes within the teaching field.

The Importance of a Diverse, Inclusive Community

cmaadmin at Diverse - 8 hours ago
Seventy years ago, Lyman T. Johnson became the first African-American student enrolled at the University of Kentucky. He bravely opened doors that were closed to too many, for too long.

Judge Damon J. Keith Estate Commits $100,000 to Scholarship in His Name

Jessica Ruf at Diverse - 8 hours ago
The estate of U.S. District Court Judge Damon J. Keith has committed $100,000 to an endowed scholarship fund established in his name at West Virginia State University. Keith, a 1943 alumnus of what was then West Virginia State College, passed away this past April. He had served more than five decades on the federal bench […]

University of Arizona Professor Settles Gender Discrimination Lawsuit

Jessica Ruf at Diverse - 8 hours ago
A University of Arizona (UA) professor settled a $20 million gender discrimination lawsuit against the Arizona Board of Regents, the Associated Press reported. As a result, the associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, Dr. Katrina Miranda, will collect $100,000 from the board. In addition, she will continue her role at the school. Filed in December […]

Five Clarkson University Professors Receive $1 Million Grant to Address Shortage of STEM Teachers in High-Need Schools

Sarah Wood at Diverse - 8 hours ago
The National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teach Scholarship Program granted $1 million to five Clarkson University professors in order to address the shortage of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers within high-need schools, according to the university. Over the next five years, the grant will go towards helping 20 undergraduate students become STEM teachers […]

Tom Joyner Creates Scholarships for Benedict College Students

Sarah Wood at Diverse - 8 hours ago
Tom Joyner, who served for 25 years as radio host of “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” established need-based scholarships for 15 Benedict College students, according to the school. The students will each receive $1,000 and the scholarship was announced during Joyner’s last show after 25 years on air. Tom Joyner’s Foundation has a goal of […]

Are the Mighty U.S. Marines Losing Their Edge?

Mackubin Thomas Owens at The National Interest - 8 hours ago
*Mackubin Thomas Owens* *Security, Americas* Berger intends for the Marine Corps to return to its naval roots. Many defense experts believe that defense spending has peaked and may decline in future years. This will intensify the longstanding competition for finite resources among the U.S. military services. In that climate, it will be more important than ever for the U.S. Marine Corps to understand and explain its unique contributions to national security. As long as there is a requirement to fight on land, at sea, and in the air, the answer for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, re... more »

Sea Ice Extent (Global Antarctic and Arctic) – Day 352 – 2019

Hifast at Climate Collections - 8 hours ago
Originally posted on sunshine hours: South / North

On The Bright Side, Episode #4: Second Grader Surprise Reunion with Big Sister, Serving in US Navy

SafeSpace at 'Nox & Friends - 8 hours ago
Even The Peoples’ Republic of California occasionally shows a human side. (Please click the Breitbart link to watch the video). California Second Grader Reunites with Sister in Military Homecoming Surprise https://www.breitbart.com/local/2019/12/17/california-second-grader-reunites-sister-military-homecoming-surprise/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=daily&utm_campaign=20191218&utm_content=Final A California second-grader was in for the surprise of his life when he reunited with his sister, who had been away serving in the military, in time for Christmas. Anton Carlos, ... more »

While Everyone Is Watching Pelosi’s Impeachment Follies, Judicial Watch Has Been Hard At Work

SafeSpace at 'Nox & Friends - 8 hours ago
Remember those cute little Muzzie kids that the Democrat National Committee hired as “IT Experts”? The Awan Brothers, whose IT experience prior to their DNC gig consisted of using an ATM, are the ones who notoriously purloined the House Democrats’ data server, and of at least one laptop belonging to the ever charming and lovely Debbie Washerwoman-Schmutz. Debbie, true to her leftist secular dump-on-my-Jewish-roots nature, boldly defended Imran Awan after he was fired and busted trying to flee our country. She said she’d “proudly hire him back” just to prove she was not prejudiced. S... more »

"If all the new Tory voters wanted was more from the state and more lecturing on how to live their lives, they would have voted for Labour. If you give people things and make them reliant upon the state then next time they will vote for those who will give them more things." Bonus #QotD

Peter Cresswell at Not PC - 8 hours ago
*"To secure the new coalition of voters the Tories must be the party of opportunity, aspiration and entrepreneurship... "If all the new Tory voters wanted was more from the state and more lecturing on how to live their lives, they would have voted for Labour. These voters want a hand up, not a handout. If you give people things and make them reliant upon the state then next time they will vote for those who will give them more things."* ~ Matthew Lesh from his post 'Boris Has Won the War -- Now He Must Win the Peace' . Content is copyright PC.BlogSpot.Com © Permission to r... more »

The independent testing lab of the dead wildlife found on a NZ beach named – the UK scientist has concerns about inadequate testing for pesticide residues in NZ laboratories

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 8 hours ago
RATGATE – INDEPENDENT TESTING LAB NAMED “Dr Wall also has serious concerns about the inadequate testing for pesticide residues in NZ Government-funded laboratories and is consulting with international colleagues on the issue“ Attached is a press release from non-profit trusts Flora and Fauna, Aotearoa and Clean Green NZ. “Dr Wall of Ideas Lab, a highly-qualified … Continue reading The independent testing lab of the dead wildlife found on a NZ beach named – the UK scientist has concerns about inadequate testing for pesticide residues in NZ laboratories →

UN Agenda 21 + 2030 + 2050 Genocide Policies

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 8 hours ago
Originally posted on New Human New Earth Communities: UN Agenda 21 + 2030 + 2050 Genocide Policies Freedom From Servitude If You Are Not Willing To Learn, No One Can Help You. If You Are Determined To Learn, No One Can Stop You. Self-government is not possible unless the citizens are educated sufficiently to enable…

New video shows Attenborough & Netflix falling walrus deception as revealed by BBC

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 8 hours ago
Originally posted on Iowa Climate Science Education: A new video with clips of critical footage not available outside the UK shows that Sir David Attenborough and Netflix producers (who insisted earlier this year that climate change – not polar bears – were to blame for Russian walrus falling to their deaths) had deceived audiences around…

CO2-Free Climate Change (101)

Ron Clutz at Science Matters - 8 hours ago
H/T to Ice Age Now for pointing to this brief and informative video of Bill Sellers explaining our planet’s climate cycles due to astronomical factors described by Milankovitch. I just hope during her time-out Greta takes a look and learns something from this video.

Activist-Legal Complex Perverts Science

Ron Clutz at Science Matters - 8 hours ago
This article was published at the American Council on Science and Health Activist-Legal Complex Will Destroy American Science And Industry by Alex Berezow and Josh Bloom. Excerpts in italics with my bolds and added images. American science and industry are under threat by this complex, known to be an unholy alliance of activists and trial […]

My new cookbook, Deceptively Delicious

Norma at Collecting My Thoughts - 8 hours ago
I had no idea I’d purchased an afternoon of reading for $1.00, *Deceptively Delicious* by Jessica Seinfeld. First, I’d never pay $25.00 for a recipe book, especially in 2007, but $1.00 looked like a good price on the library sale shelves. I vaguely remembered the story of Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, but had to look it up. He of course, was a famous comedian whom I rarely watched. Then after he retired (I think) he married a much younger woman who was escaping a brief marriage, then they had babies and she made books. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_Seinfeld Their kids are... more »

Celeb breakups, 2019

Norma at Collecting My Thoughts - 8 hours ago
I managed to look through the 2019 breakups and knew only 3 people, William Shatner, Ron Perlman and Rosie O’Donnell, then the screen bled out from too much overload of ads after Rosie and it died, and I do not know the rest of the story.

They know not what they do?...plus a plea for feedback...

Adrienne at Adrienne's Corner - 8 hours ago
*so we should forgive them? *(Please see feedback question at end of post*)* Oh, hell noes! They, the commie/libtards, know *exactly* what they're doing. The part that escapes them in their stupidity, driven by a hatred and fear that knows no bounds, is they've made themselves an indispensable part of the re-election of Donald J. Trump. By a *landslide!* Nancy Pelosi, a self-described "devout" Catholic, keeps spewing phony prayers, thoughts, and sadness. No, Nancy - you are essentially an ex-communicated Catholic that hasn't been publicly declared as such by the wimpy bishops ... more »

Bombs Away! How Russia Hopes to Sell Its Flashy Weapons Across the World

Mark Episkopos at The National Interest - 8 hours ago
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, Europe* [image: Reuters] Lots of fancy displays. *Key point:* Moscow would always like more money. Since 2010, Rosoboronexport-- Russia’s state defense export agency-- has *made great strides *in breaking into the Southeast Asian arms market. However, parts of the Middle-East present a much more challenging landscape. In particular, Rosoboronexport has yet to make meaningful headway in the lucrative Persian Gulf market where major defense system contracts still tend to go to the United States. As Russian arms exporters make a concerted push into the G... more »

Nazi Germany Tried to Sneak Advanced Tech to Japan in a Submarine

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 8 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *History, Europe* [image: Adolf Hitler delivers a speech at the Kroll Opera House to the men of the Reichstag on the subject of Roosevelt and the war in the Pacific, declaring war on the United States.] It was the only undersea battle between two submarines in history. *Key Point:* It seems to have failed. *The Hunt for Red October *dramatized for the public one of the tensest forms of warfare imaginable: combat between submarines submerged deep under the ocean’s surface, the nerve-wracked crews scouring the fathomless depths for their adversary’s acoustic si... more »

The Air Force's Global Strike Command Is Preparing For A Delivery Of New Nuclear Weapons

David Axe at The National Interest - 8 hours ago
*David Axe* *Security, * Nuclear modernization has arrived. *Key point: *The command is in the beginning of a modernization effort costing tens of billions of dollars. The U.S. Air Force’s nuclear command says it’s about to undergo a major reorganization as it prepares to field new bombs, missiles, bombers and rockets. Air Force Global Strike Command stood up in 2009 as the successor to Strategic Air Command, which maintained around-the-clock nuclear alerts during the Cold War. Today the command’s 34,000 personnel oversee 20 B-2 stealth bombers, 76 B-52 bombers and 450 Minutem... more »

Why The Navy Never Wants To Fight Russia's Akula-Class Attack Submarines

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 8 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Arctic Ocean* The Akula’s strong acoustic stealth characteristics will continue to make it a formidable challenge for antisubmarine warfare specialists. *Key Point:* Today the Russian Navy maintains ten to eleven Akulas. The Soviet Union produced hot-rod submarines that could swim faster, take more damage, and dive deeper than their American counterparts—but the U.S. Navy remained fairly confident it had the Soviet submarines outmatched because they were all extremely noisy. Should the superpowers clash, the quieter American subs had better odds of d... more »

Obamacare, Separation of Powers, and Accountability

Abbe Gluck at Balkinization - 9 hours ago
Yesterday, the Fifth Circuit finally issued a decision *Texas v. U.S*, the latest existential challenge to the Affordable Care Act---which many forget was *entirely *struck off the books last year by a federal judge in Texas known for his anti-ACA rulings. Rather than reverse the lower court outright, however, the Fifth Circuit sent it back down, effectively kicking the case--and the Trump Administration's accountability for its efforts to destroy the law--until after the election, just as the Administration had hoped. The opinion is important because it correctly chides the lower ... more »

Rushin’ To Destruction: 2019 In Review, Part 1-- Smell The Fear! All Republicans And Too Many Democrats React Badly To AOC

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 9 hours ago
*-by Noah* To be fair, and I’m always fair, it’s not just typical Republican goons who fear Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Conservative Democrats like Cheri Bustos and Nancy Pelosi were filled with befuddlement and consternation when AOC took over the seat that had been held by rightwing Democrat Joe Crowley, a man whose aversion to interacting with the people of his own district cost him dearly. Now, useless drags on society like Ms. Bustos are hoping to field a primary candidate that can knock AOC out of office after just one term. The DNC is desperate. The DNC doesn’t want to get ou... more »

State Pensions Lower Their Return Assumptions

Leo Kolivakis at Pension Pulse - 9 hours ago
Pew Charitable Trusts just released an issue brief stating state pension funds are lowering their assumed rates of return: State and local public employee retirement systems in the United States manage over $4.3 trillion in public pension fund investments, with returns on these assets accounting for more than 60 cents of every dollar available to pay promised benefits. About three-quarters of these assets are held in what are often called risky assets—stocks and alternative investments, including private equities, hedge funds, real estate, and commodities. These investments offer p... more »

Nicholas Kristof's least-read columns!

bob somerby at the daily howler - 9 hours ago
*THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019New York's most-read stories:* Our upcoming year is currently planned as The Year of Living Anthropologically. In truth, we're looking for a way to get to The Lifetime of Living Post-Philosophically. We'd like to describe our "formal education" and the events which followed on that. In the end, it would be an attempt to discuss Russell's Paradox (And What Came Next). In short, it would be an attempt to enjoy the unintentional humor of the upper-end philosophical world's ruminations on "the set of all sets"—even on the comically wonderful "set of all se... more »

Election post-mortem: Disabled activists ‘will regroup and fight on’

John Pring at Disability News Service - 9 hours ago
Disabled campaigners and their organisations have sent a strong message to the new Conservative government that they will regroup and find new ways to fight for their rights. Grassroots groups and user-led organisations this week suggested ways in which disabled people could […]

Election post-mortem: Activists pledge to continue austerity fight

John Pring at Disability News Service - 9 hours ago
Grassroots groups of disabled people have promised to continue the fight against austerity, and to launch a new campaign to secure justice for those who have died as a result of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) failings. But they have also […]

Election post-mortem: Number of disabled MPs may have fallen to just five

John Pring at Disability News Service - 9 hours ago
Disabled campaigners have called for action after last week’s general election appears to have left the House of Commons with just five disabled MPs. Before the election, there were only seven MPs who have at some point self-described as disabled people, but […]

Election post-mortem: Frustration over campaign failure to focus on disability

John Pring at Disability News Service - 9 hours ago
The media and political parties are to blame for the failure of disability issues to feature prominently in the lead-up to the general election, disabled campaigners have suggested. Issues like independent living, the accessible housing crisis, inclusive education and the disability benefit […]

DWP silence after PIP success rate plunges by a fifth in just a year

John Pring at Disability News Service - 9 hours ago
The likelihood of being awarded the government’s new disability benefit has plunged by more than a fifth in just a year, official figures have revealed. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures, released the day after the election, show that new […]

Deaf election candidate plans legal action over government’s access costs refusal

John Pring at Disability News Service - 9 hours ago
A Deaf candidate in last week’s general election is planning to take legal action against the government after he had to raise thousands of pounds to cover the cost of sign language interpreters during the campaign. Liberal Democrat David Buxton, who came […]

Ministers allow transport industry to break access laws… again

John Pring at Disability News Service - 9 hours ago
The government has given the transport industry permission to breach disability access laws for the second time in a month. A letter sent to rail companies last week by the Department for Transport (DfT) will allow them to continue using inaccessible rail […]

Iconic activist warns of threats to rights after ‘horrific’ election result

John Pring at Disability News Service - 9 hours ago
One of the leading figures in the history of the disabled people’s movement has called on activists to “shout their outrage from the rooftops” after last week’s “horrific” general election result. Maggie Davis says she believes the result will lead to further […]

The Way Forward: A Live Fire Exercise About the Future w/ Special Guests Larry Johnson & Bill Binney

adam at LaRouchePAC Feed - 9 hours ago
The Way Forward: A Live Fire Exercise About the Future w/ Special Guests Larry Johnson & Bill Binney Video of The Way Forward: A Live Fire Exercise About the Future w/ Special Guests Larry Johnson & Bill Binney Tonight's call will feature former NSA Technical Director Bill Binney, former CIA and State Department Counterterrorism Analyst Larry Johnson, and LaRouchePAC's Barbara Boyd and Dennis Speed. We will review the present status of the coup against the President tonight. In an interview yesterday, Attorney General Barr said that John Durham is investigating intelligence a... more »

Breaking: Syrian Army kicks off 2nd phase of Idlib offensive

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 9 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:30 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has kicked off the second phase of their Idlib offensive this evening after reports of their troops getting in position for the attack. Led by the 25th Special Mission Forces (formerly Tiger Forces), the Syrian Arab Army began the attack by the storming the jihadist […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

SA: Invisible Ink Could Reveal Whether Kids Have Been Vaccinated

Erin Elizabeth at Health Nut News - 9 hours ago
Keeping track of vaccinations remains a major challenge in the developing world, and even in many developed countries, paperwork gets lost, and parents forget whether their child is up to date. Now a group of Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers has developed a novel way to address this problem: embedding the record directly into the […] The post SA: Invisible Ink Could Reveal Whether Kids Have Been Vaccinated appeared first on Health Nut News.

Former BBC man tilts at the Labour crown

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 9 hours ago
So, we learn tonight that the second Labour MP to enter the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader is none other than Clive Lewis. And who might* he* be (I hear passers-by asking)? Well, seasoned BBC watchers will know that Clive (an early Corbynista) used to be a BBC reporter - indeed the main political reporter on the BBC's *Politics Show East*. And, if they read our blog, they'll also know that Corbynista Clive once well-and-truly dropped the BBC in it by boasting the following to a Momentum mob: I was able to use bias in my reports by giving less time to one than the ... more »

Beyond Prisons: Sunlight Is A Human Right

Beyond Prisons at Shadowproof - 9 hours ago
Jared Ware joins the Beyond Prisons podcast for a conversation on deteriorating abusive conditions within South Carolina prisons. The post Beyond Prisons: Sunlight Is A Human Right appeared first on Shadowproof.

"The Government Cannot Afford More Debt"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 9 hours ago
*"The Government Cannot Afford More Debt"* By Bill Bonner "We are all mad." – White House official to NBC News BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – "With all the madness around the impeachment, few people noticed: On Monday, the feds announced a $1.4 trillion budget fix that will add about $1.7 trillion in additional spending over the next 10 years. The measure even includes an extra $25 million to “study gun violence.” (We could have easily saved them $24.99 million. All they needed was a bus ticket to Baltimore. If there’s anything about gun violence that the city doesn’t know by now, it’s not ... more »

Good 6.5 min video Milankovitch Cycle – Just out in June

Robert at Ice Age Now - 9 hours ago
How Ice Ages Happen: The Milankovitch Cycles Thanks to Bill Sellers for this video If for some reason the Milankovitch video does not display on this page, you can also view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA788usYNWA&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR24QvpPBXk9 HVIra1qqd_LTyx1FQ5Gw1NQwTK1q5luu3eTXUX4-InD_tFk The post Good 6.5 min video Milankovitch Cycle – Just out in June appeared first on Ice Age Now.

The country where a simple haircut can be a radical political statement

Farz Edraki at Just In - 9 hours ago
A feminist revolution is simmering in South Korea. Young women are discovering a new sense of freedom as they 'escape the corset' — but change doesn't come easily.

Would you know what to do if you hit a kangaroo on the road?

Jo Khan at Just In - 9 hours ago
Read our tips on how to avoid road kill and other ways to help keep wildlife safe this summer.

Your best photos of the week

Just In - 9 hours ago
Here is a selection of photos sent in by audience members from around Australia. If you have any photos that you'd like to share, send them in via the upload page. You can take a look at more photos from across the country on our Instagram, and share your own Instagram photos with us by using #ABCmyphoto on Instagram.

NSW Now: Climate protest blocks CBD streets, Sydney set for scorching weekend

Just In - 9 hours ago
*MORNING BRIEFING: *Extinction Rebellion protesters staging a Christmas-themed demonstration against inaction on climate change are arrested, while Sydney prepares for a weekend of extreme heat and fire danger.

UN asked to pressure Siemens to drop Adani contract

Josh Robertson at Just In - 9 hours ago
Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale calls on the United Nations to stop itself being used for "greenwashing" by multinational Siemens, which has agreed to work on Adani's coal mine.

Showering son in the backyard 'the straw that broke the camel's back' in mother's NDIS struggle

Jane McNaughton at Just In - 9 hours ago
A Latrobe Valley family can finally celebrate after years of struggling to get NDIS funding as the new year brings much needed disability support to their home.

'Not just unfair': Russia set to appeal four-year doping ban

Just In - 9 hours ago
Russia's anti-doping agency RUSADA says it will appeal sanctions barring the country's athletes from competing under its flag at top international sporting events for four years, which President Vladimir Putin branded "unfair".

Too much sun on the Sunshine Coast causes heartbreak in the hinterland

Jennifer Nichols at Just In - 9 hours ago
Sunshine Coast farmers are becoming desperate as the drought bites in a region better known for its surf and long sandy beaches.

Cathedral in Iraq's Largest Assyrian Town to Be Rebuilt in 2020

Fr Georges Jahola in Al-Tahira church in Bakhdida in November 2016, shortly after the town's liberation.The Great Al-Tahira Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Bakhdida remains charred black inside, five years after the Islamic State plundered and set it aflame; however, in 2020 the Syriac Catholic cathedral will be restored as Iraq's largest Christi

"In the future, any president of a different party than the [U.S.] House of Representatives will be immediately impeached. I'm kind of for that actually." #QotD

Peter Cresswell at Not PC - 10 hours ago
*"In the future, any president of a different party than the [U.S.] House of Representatives will be immediately impeached. I'm kind of for that actually."* ~ Jeffrey Tucker . Content is copyright PC.BlogSpot.Com © Permission to republish is granted, with link and attribution.

Health Canada, CRA to hold info session for micro-class cannabis businesses

Matt Lamers at Marijuana Business Daily - 10 hours ago
Canada’s federal health department and tax collection authority are teaming up to offer an information session for micro-class cannabis entrepreneurs in Vancouver. Health Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are hosting the seminar in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Jan. 10. “This information session is targeted towards current and prospective applicants applying for a cultivation, […] Health Canada, CRA to hold info session for micro-class cannabis businesses is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs

New Record Temperatures Need Justification

jennifer at Jennifer Marohasy - 10 hours ago
IN September 2017, the Bureau declared the hottest ever September on record for the state of Victoria based on temperature data from Mildura. I’ve since shown that this was helped along by the Bureau replacing a mercury thermometer with an electronic probe that can record a good 0.4 degrees hotter for the same weather. There [...] The post New Record Temperatures Need Justification appeared first on Jennifer Marohasy.

From Baghdad To Seoul, World Increasingly Sours On Hosting US Troops

Daniel McAdams at Peace and Prosperity - 10 hours ago
The Trump Administration's inability to reach an agreement for the basing of 28,000 troops in South Korea highlights an increasing phenomenon across the US military empire: as the cost of US "protection" keeps going up, the value of that protection - in the eyes of the "protected" - seems to keep going down. Baghdad increasingly desires a US departure as well. Watch today's Liberty Report:

Company recalls veal, lamb because of import re-inspection problem

News Desk at Food Safety News - 10 hours ago
More than 2,800 pounds of veal and lamb products sent to three U.S. states are under recall by Quebec-based Montpak International Inc. because they were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States. Montpak shipped the meat to distributors in New Jersey, New York, and Virginia, according to the recall notice posted by the USDA’s... Continue Reading

Senate Leader Mitch McConnell: “The House Conduct Has Damaged The Institutions of American Government” – Video and Transcript…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 10 hours ago
After the House of Representatives passed two partisan articles of impeachment, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell rises to deliver a speech from the upper chamber of congress. Last night, House Democrats passed the thinnest, weakest presidential impeachment in American history. … Continue reading →

Was Trump Impeached With More Votes Than Any Other US President?

Dan Evon at Snopes.com - 10 hours ago
While this is technically true, it's missing some important context.

Rice Farmer – Brazil Harvest

E.M.Smith at Musings from the Chiefio - 10 hours ago
Rice Farming in Brasil. Harvest with green plants, in mud, and then let it grow a second crop? No isolated contour separated checks? (A rice field is called a "check", it isn't a breakfast cereal ;-) Continue reading →

Sydney’s young female birdwatchers challenging the traditional pecking order

Harriet Tatham at Just In - 10 hours ago
Despite men historically dominating birding, young women are increasingly turning towards the hobby and even starting their own groups.

Leigh Sales's most memorable interviews of 2019

Leigh Sales at Just In - 10 hours ago
Each year, 7.30 anchor Leigh Sales sits down with world leaders, Australians living through the worst experiences of their lives, beloved writers and celebrities. These are her highlights of 2019.

Cats is litter-ally the weirdest thing on screen this year and a purrfect cat-astrophe

Keva York at Just In - 10 hours ago
The movie lives up to the promise (threat?) of its trailer with 110 minutes of hyperactive, plot-lite prancing that will be catnip to some, but baffling to most.

In junior sport, keeping kids involved — not the score — is all that matters

Richard Hinds at Just In - 10 hours ago
"The world has gone mad!" come the cries when junior sporting bodies put in measures to give all kids a chance, writes Richard Hinds, but letting them fall out of love with sport would be crazier.

Are you up with world events or as innocent as a Baby Yoda? Take our news quiz to find out

Just In - 10 hours ago
If you thought you'd get a break from political questions just before Christmas, you were wrong. But we'll also try to get you in the festive mood.

As Victoria readies for heat records, this farmer fears his peaches will boil on the branch

Elise Kinsella And Cherie von Hörchner at Just In - 10 hours ago
Melbourne is set to endure its hottest day since Black Saturday, while elsewhere in Victoria farmers are worried temperatures as high as 47C could have a devastating effect on their crops.

Two people killed in deadly shooting at Russia's intelligence agency

Just In - 10 hours ago
A gunman has opened fire near the headquarters of Russia's FSB security service in central Moscow.

The best and worst films of 2019 (plus the best film of the decade)

Just In - 10 hours ago
From a gangster biopic and genre-bending horror to an action star's complete flop, these were the films that delighted and horrified us in a year dominated by franchises, according to film critic Zak Hepburn.

Filmed a dispute? Here's why you should think twice

Just In - 10 hours ago
A camera and a social media account are not the answer to every problem, and our urge to capture "content" is needlessly complicating situations that could be peacefully resolved, writes Daniel Flitton.

From the Old City to Tel Rumeida Hill: Israel’s Takeover of Hebron Forges Ahead

Miko Peled at MintPress News - 10 hours ago
It often seems that Israel’s actions in the West Bank are spurred by little more than a desire to compensate for lost opportunities and settle old scores, and Hebron is no exception writes Miko Peled. The post From the Old City to Tel Rumeida Hill: Israel’s Takeover of Hebron Forges Ahead appeared first on MintPress News.

2:00PM Water Cooler 12/19/2019

Lambert Strether at naked capitalism - 10 hours ago
By Lambert Strether of Corrente Trade “The limited U.S.-China trade pact that includes Beijing’s commitment to buy up to $50 billion in American farm products annually over the next two years would be a boon to U.S. farmers. But… the sector’s relief over the deal is being tempered by skepticism over the ambitious targets” [Wall […]

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