Thursday, January 23, 2020

23 January - Blogs I'm Following - 5 of 5

10 pm MST

Midnight Meme Of The Day!

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 21 hours ago
*by Noah* Moscow Mitch shows his contempt, and his plans, for this country every day. He is a traitor. He wipes his ass with the Constitution. He wipes his ass with the American Dream itself. People talk about the insanity and anti-Americanism of Donald Trump but Trump has very little on Moscow Mitch in those departments. He will be remembered as the key henchman, in the efforts of Trump and Putin to destroy this country. His head hits the pillow every night and he smiles the smile of satisfaction and begins dreaming of the Russian mob cash provided to him through the oligarchs wh... more »

Perth is set to be one of the hottest cities in the nation on Australia Day

Irena Ceranic at Just In - 21 hours ago
After a mild run of weather this week, a hot and sunny Australia Day long weekend is forecast for Perth with temperatures reaching the mid-to-high 30s.

Former prosecutor allegedly involved in drug syndicate, court hears

Mark Rigby at Just In - 21 hours ago
A phone tap reveals former Cairns Department of Public Prosecutions boss Roger Griffith was allegedly involved in a major drug syndicate, with the 55-year-old facing a hearing on charges including drug trafficking, perverting the course of justice and money laundering.

Wisdom Is A Finer Knowledge - A Quotation by M.N. Hopkins

Stranger in a Strange Land at Stranger in a Strange Land - 21 hours ago
*Wisdom is a finer knowledge that is a result of many years of one's living experiences within human form. To have acquired wisdom, one must have actively sought after this prize and worked diligently to attain it's mastery. For wisdom is only for those who have paid the price of many years of living within human form. For even the angels, so full of Light can be lacking in wisdom if they have never chosen to visit the Earth Realm. * *© ** M.N. Hopkins* *Note: During this month of January 2020 I intend to release one to two of my quotations which were taken from earlier... more »

European Green Deal: 120 silly demands

Luboš Motl at The Reference Frame - 21 hours ago
In Summer 1989, many of us were making fun of Milouš Jakeš, the boss of the Czechoslovak Communist Party (especially because of his notorious Red Little Castle leaked speech to his comrades 3 miles from my home), and other commies had a similar image. But I must really apologize for having mocked them: neither Jakeš nor any other top Czechoslovak communist could compare to the previously unseen imbeciles who are employed as members of the European Parliament and who approved European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (2019/2956(RSP)) one week ago. I... more »

F-35: A Miracle Weapon, Or A Two Billion Dollar Non-Flying Plane?

Brendan Nicholson at The National Interest - 21 hours ago
*Brendan Nicholson* *Security, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/USA-MILITARY-NORWAY-RC1BFCD5DE40.html] For some the answer isn't obvious. *Key Point:* We'll still be arguing this for years. Perhaps apocryphal, the story goes that a senior US Air Force officer on the Joint Strike Fighter Program found himself sitting next to a Chinese general. ‘I like your aeroplane,’ the General said. That’s nice,’ said the American, How many would you like?’ The general smiled and raised a single finger. ‘Just one,’ he said. While China has long been concerned enough about the JS... more »

Iran Has A Lot Of Missiles And The U.S. Navy's Carriers Look Like Juicy Targets

Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest - 21 hours ago
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Middle East* Could Iran sink a carrier? *Key Point:* It seems unlikely, but for how long? Iran has invested considerable resources in its ballistic missile forces over the past forty years, for the same reason China and North Korea did: military aviation is an expensive proposition, and developing and maintaining an air force to rival the United States is very expensive indeed. Ballistic missiles offer a relatively inexpensive way to launch conventional, chemical, biological, and even nuclear payloads long distances. As an added bonus intercepting suc... more »

Bomb North Korea—and All Hell Breaks Loose

Robert E. Kelly at The National Interest - 21 hours ago
*Robert E. Kelly* *Security, Asia* [image: Soldiers march during a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of North Korea's foundation in Pyongyang, North Korea, September 9, 2018. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui] Pyongyang can make it hurt, a lot. *Key Point:* the longer the U.S. air campaign lasted, the more it would look like a war, not a limited action. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made waves last week when he suggested that military action against North Korea was an option. He pointedly said that former President Barack Obama’s ‘strategic patience’ approach was over.... more »

Why The Royal Navy Is Going All-In On Its New Type 45 Destroyers

David Axe at The National Interest - 21 hours ago
*David Axe* *Security, Europe* We hope it's worth it. *Key point: *Cost is a major concern. The Royal Navy may already have identified a possible replacement for its Type 45 destroyers. A version of the new Type 26 frigate, which should enter service with the U.K. fleet in the mid-2020s, ultimately could replace the air-defense-optimized Type 45s beginning in the 2030s. The prospect of developing an air-defense variant of the Type 26 offers some hope to the United Kingdom’s beleaguered naval shipbuilders that they might be able to build a large number of ships of different class... more »

Iran Wants To Use Naval Mines For More Than Striking Tanker Ships

David Axe at The National Interest - 21 hours ago
*David Axe* *Security, Middle East* The U.S. Navy is a prime target. *Key point:* The Navy wants by 2020 to decommission three *Avenger*s based in the United States in order to free up spare parts for the right minesweepers sailing from Bahrain and Japan. In the event of war with Iran, the U.S. Navy’s small, aging force of Persian Gulf-based minesweepers would struggle to locate and disarm Iran’s underwater mines. The consequences for U.S. military operations, not to mention world trade, could be severe. Four of the Navy’s 11 1980s-vintage *Avenger*-class minesweepers sail from... more »

Iran Is Weaker Than The U.S. Military, But Tehran Won't Go Down Easy

Zachary Keck at The National Interest - 21 hours ago
*Zachary Keck* *Security, * Iran has prepared to exploit America's weaknesses. *Key Point:* A long struggle... With the possible exception of North Korea, no country in the post–Cold War era has sought to challenge the United States as much as Iran. From the Middle East to Central Asia to Latin America, Tehran has never missed an opportunity to antagonize the U.S. and limit its influence. This is an inherently risky strategy. Not only has the U.S. encircled Iran with military bases on all sides, but America’s military spending in recent years has been twice the size of Iran’s en... more »

Australian Daily Wind Power Generation Data – Wednesday 22nd January 2020

TonyfromOz at PA Pundits – International - 21 hours ago
By Anton Lang ~ This Post details the daily wind power generation data for the AEMO coverage area in Australia. For the background information, refer to the Introductory Post at this link. Each image is shown here at a smaller size to fit on the page alongside the data for that day. If you click […]

EXCLUSIVE: Dieuwe de Boer Speaks

Guest Contributor at PA Pundits – International - 21 hours ago
By Spanishbride sb@thebfd.co.nz thebfd.co.nz Spanishbride (SB) is the Editor of The BFD which is the fastest growing media organisation in New Zealand. Its brand of news, opinion, analysis and entertainment is finding fertile ground with an audience that is feeling abandoned by traditional news media. Most articles on the BFD come from a centre-right political […]

Pretending Hunter Biden Is Irrelevant

PA Pundits - International at PA Pundits – International - 21 hours ago
By Brent Bozell and Tim Graham ~ The impeachment trial of Donald Trump should begin with an indictment of the media. The alleged crime committed by President Trump revolves around his request that the president of Ukraine investigate the shady business dealings of Hunter Biden with a corrupt Ukrainian oil and gas company. That investigation […]

Australian Wildfires Unleash Latest Environmental Menace: Cats?

PA Pundits - International at PA Pundits – International - 21 hours ago
From the team at CFACT ~ Although your pet cat Felix may seem “cute and cuddly,” in truth, at least according to wildlife officials, he’s actually a crafty and deadly environmental menace. In the U.S., cats are responsible for killing a whopping 3.7 million birds and 20.7 million mammals each year. And while many of […]

The Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez School Of Economics

PA Pundits - International at PA Pundits – International - 21 hours ago
By Ben Shapiro ~ On Monday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., sat for a discussion with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. She dropped a number of shocking statements—statements that elicited nothing but murmurs of agreement from Coates. AOC claimed: “No one ever makes a billion dollars. You take a billion dollars.” How, pray tell, are American billionaires responsible […]

US journalist's arrest in Indonesia an 'unacceptable attack' on press freedom, says Amnesty International

Erwin Renaldi at Just In - 21 hours ago
Lobby groups say the arrest of Philip Jacobson in Indonesia for allegedly misusing his visa is "politically motivated" due to his coverage of issues which "have not pleased the Government".

The most hotly anticipated NBA debut since LeBron James did not disappoint

Jon Healy at Just In - 21 hours ago
Zion Williamson puts the rest of the NBA on notice as he scores 17 straight points in a three-minute stretch on his professional debut, proving he is more than just an insane athlete.

'It's just bad policy': NT social services slam 'mixed messages' about controversial welfare proposal

Lauren Roberts at Just In - 21 hours ago
Families and Social Services Minister Anne Ruston says if the Cashless Debit Card is introduced in the Northern Territory, recipients will still get 50 per cent of their welfare payments in cash — despite Territorians saying they are being told otherwise.

Millions of Australians have disability insurance in their super, and for many it's 'junk'

Michael Atkin at Just In - 21 hours ago
Nearly half a million casual workers are getting only restricted life insurance coverage through their superannuation, which the corporate regulator says may not be worth the money they are paying for it.

Eels suffocate as Gippsland river turns to sludge after fires

Jane McNaughton at Just In - 21 hours ago
Bushfire debris combines with heavy rain and thunderstorms over burnt-out regions of east Gippsland, choking local rivers and killing the eels that inhabit them.

Bowling club wants to know why it missed out on 'modest' $40,000 government sports grant

Paul Farrell And Amy Donaldson at Just In - 21 hours ago
A regional bowling club wants to know why its application for a grant was rejected as the sports grants controversy heats up.

Scott Morrison's father John dies aged 84

Just In - 21 hours ago
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his father, a former policeman and mayor, "lived a great life and was much loved".

'Take some time out': Victims of 2014 Bangor bushfire give hope and advice

Lucas Forbes at Just In - 21 hours ago
Farmers who survived South Australia's devastating Bangor blaze in 2014 give messages of hope and good advice for those who've lost everything in recent bushfires.

Man charged over alleged hay bale scam that police say targeted desperate farmers

Lucy Thackray And Jessie Davies at Just In - 21 hours ago
A man accused of defrauding drought and fire-stricken farmers to the tune of tens of thousand dollars via a hay sale scam has been charged in Sydney.

Death toll from White Island volcano disaster rises to 20

Just In - 21 hours ago
An Australian woman and a New Zealand man who were missing in the aftermath of New Zealand's White Island volcano eruption are officially confirmed dead, taking the death toll to 20.

What authorities are doing to protect Australians from coronavirus (and how you can protect yourself)

Sophie Meixner at Just In - 21 hours ago
Australia has a number of measures to help stop the spread of coronavirus — but with warnings the disease has a week-long incubation period, carriers could already be in the country.

Ash Barty isn't satisfied with just playing singles at the Aus Open as she contests the doubles

Luke Pentony at Just In - 21 hours ago
The world number one singles player adds to her workload in Melbourne with doubles commitments, but she would not have it any other way as she chases success at the season-opening major.

'Mayday, mayday, mayday': Brisbane couple believed to have died in high-speed plane crash

Tara Cassidy at Just In - 21 hours ago
Authorities call off the search for a couple whose plane came down at high speed in waters off Moreton Island yesterday afternoon, with the pair making a mayday call before contact was lost.

After Senseless Murder Of Goliath, Philistines Call For Ban On Fully Automatic, High-Capacity Slings, from The Babylon Bee

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 22 hours ago
Originally posted on STRAIGHT LINE LOGIC: VALLEY OF ELAH—After local homegrown terrorist David slew Goliath with a fully automatic, high-capacity sling, Philistine activists began calling for common-sense bans on the dangerous weapons of mass destruction. “Nobody needs a sling that holds five rocks just to go hunting or protect their sheep,” said one Philistine woman…

Trump Was Right! Warehouse in Puerto Rico Discovered this week FILLED with US Survival Aid for Hurricane Maria (VIDEO)

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 22 hours ago
Originally posted on Nwo Report: Source: Gateway Pundit In 2018, nearly a year after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, reports surfaced that piles of food and supplies were left to rot in semi truck trailers, and ended up eaten by rats and other vermin. This was while San Juan mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz used every opportunity…

Proof the Globalists in Puerto Rico Withheld Aid Sent by President Trump from Victims After Hurricane Maria [videos] ~ January 21, 2020

Pam Vernon at Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch - 22 hours ago
Originally posted on Rose Rambles...: Thousands of bottles of water not distributed to victims left at an airstrip in San Juan, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria Editor’s Note: Ah…the pain caused by the Dark is all too apparent in this article. The video at the end (see the Twiter link) is verbally non-understandable (unless you…

Company closes part of plant linked to deadly Listeria outbreak

Joe Whitworth at Food Safety News - 22 hours ago
The owners of a factory in the Netherlands linked to a Listeria outbreak have decided not to reopen part of it. The Offerman plant in Aalsmeer was shut in October this past year while Dutch authorities investigated the outbreak. Ter Beke considered renovating the factory but will close the large hall while a smaller one... Continue Reading

Alleged criminal group sold potentially unfit to eat horse meat

News Desk at Food Safety News - 22 hours ago
Spanish authorities have busted a suspected organized crime group selling horse meat that could have been unfit for human consumption. The Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) was supported by Europol. The alleged criminal organization, based in the province of Barcelona, reportedly falsified equine documents and sold horse meat without the mandatory documentation to support their... Continue Reading

Does the US Military “Own the Weather”?

Geopolitics101 at Covert Geopolitics - 22 hours ago
First published in September 2017, this article is of relevance to the ongoing protest movement and debate on Climate Change (COP25) “Weather modification will become a part of domestic and international security and could be done unilaterally… It could have offensive and defensive applications and even be used for deterrence purposes. The ability to generate … Continue reading Does the US Military “Own the Weather”? →

In the Name of “Security” U.S. Gives Israel Billions More in Military Funding

Geopolitics101 at Covert Geopolitics - 22 hours ago
Billions of US tax-payers’ money will continue to be funneled into Israel in the next fiscal year, and for many years in the foreseeable future. Republican and Democratic Senators have recently achieved just that, passing a bill aimed at providing Israel with $3.3 billion in annual aid. The Bill, co-sponsored by Democratic Senator, Chris Coons … Continue reading In the Name of “Security” U.S. Gives Israel Billions More in Military Funding →

Severe Torture in Israeli Prisons Targets Palestinian Steadfastness

Geopolitics101 at Covert Geopolitics - 22 hours ago
In the last months of 2019 and early 2020, a growing number of cases of severe physical torture against Palestinian detainees carried out by Israeli Shin Bet interrogators have been documented. While torture and abuse of various kinds have been a mainstay of the Israeli interrogation process, after a 1999 Israeli Supreme Court ruling and … Continue reading Severe Torture in Israeli Prisons Targets Palestinian Steadfastness →

Hard Evidence on Israeli Torture Against Palestinian Detainees

Geopolitics101 at Covert Geopolitics - 22 hours ago
Since its creation, the occupying state developed and enforced laws and practices that led to both the systematic use of torture and to absolute impunity for the perpetrator of this crime. There has never been any individual or agency held accountable for the well-documented crimes of torture and ill treatment at Israeli prisons and interrogation centers. The occupation … Continue reading Hard Evidence on Israeli Torture Against Palestinian Detainees →

Is Secondhand Screen Time the New Secondhand Smoking?

Yves Smith at naked capitalism - 23 hours ago
Internet screen use starts early, and there's ample evidence that it isnt healthy for young brains. But what if anything should be done?

January 23rd – 2020 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #1099

sundance at The Last Refuge - 23 hours ago
In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Donald Trump Administration and … Continue reading →

Thursday January 23rd – Open Thread

sundance at The Last Refuge - 23 hours ago
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those … Continue reading →

Ranking Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein Left Senate During Schiff Testimony – Said “Goodnight” and Went Home…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 23 hours ago
Many people are becoming aware the Senate impeachment trial is an exercise in politics, nothing more. The votes are already decided; the trial is simply a pantomime. To highlight the point, Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein, the ranking member of the … Continue reading →

‘The Origin of The Feces’ – White House Lawyer Patrick Philbin Explains House Circumvention of Constitution During Impeachment…

sundance at The Last Refuge - 23 hours ago
As 21 different state attorneys general noted earlier today, there are several reasons why the impeachment effort is unconstitutional. These are not process arguments; they are factual arguments central to the constitutional framework of our government. The failure of a … Continue reading →

Justice in Myanmar: the view from Auntie’s shop

Hilary Faxon at New Mandala - 23 hours ago
Brutal violence and nasty racist politics have a long history in Myanmar. To survive, people compartmentalise. The post Justice in Myanmar: the view from Auntie’s shop appeared first on New Mandala.

Council’s budget committee opts in favour of menstrual products for municipal facilities

Zane Woodford at Halifax Examiner - 23 hours ago
A Halifax councillor’s proposal to stock all municipal facilities with free menstrual products is a step closer to reality, but she’s not happy with the way the program is being budgeted. Council’s budget committee met on Wednesday to consider operating budgets for three municipal business units — Halifax Transit, corporate and customer services, and Halifax […]

Clashes rage in Beirut as protesters reject new government: video

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 23 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:20 A.M.) – Demonstrators clashed with police in downtown Beirut on Wednesday in protest against the country’s new government. Footage shows police forces deploying water cannons and tear gas on protesters who responded with laser pointers, rocks and other projectiles. The new cabinet was presented to president Michel Aoun on Tuesday after months […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Turkish-backed Libyan forces close main airbase after LNA imposes no-fly-zone

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 23 hours ago
The international airport of Mitiga of the Libyan capital of Tripoli has been closed, and the flights have been moved to the city of Misrata, the airport’s press service said. “We are informing you about the suspension of air traffic until a further notification and moving flights to the international airport of Misrata starting from […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

The Daily Brief 2020-01-21

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 23 hours ago
This is a summary of 17 AMN articles on the following subjects: Lebanon, Russia, Syria, US, Israel, Idlib, Iran, Pentagon, Erdogan, Putin, Libya, Netanyahu, Saudi, Iraq, Qamishli, Mediterranean, OPCW, Douma. Categories covered in this brief: Lebanon, Syria, Middleeast, Iran, World-News, North-Africa, Gulf, Iraq Let us know how you like this brief in the comments below. […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Quote of the Day

vonMesser at 'Nox & Friends - 23 hours ago

China Should Thank America's F-16 For The Success Of Its JF-17 Fighter

Charlie Gao at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Charlie Gao* *Security, Asia* The jet is a fusion of other fighters. *Key point:* The JF-17’s designers have proven adept at keeping up with the times following its entry into service. China’s JF-17 “Thunder” multirole fighter is one of China’s most successful aerospace exports. While it was designed from the outset to be an export fighter, its road to service was very rocky, involving decades of development and even American involvement at some points. Design wise, it’s a fusion of the MiG-21 and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The most recent blocks of the JF-17 have introduced adv... more »

Could America's Army Hope To Win Against One Million North Koreans?

TNI Staff at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*TNI Staff* *Security, * Quantity vs. quality. *Key Point:* Though technologically backwards for the most part—in the event of war—the North Koreans could inflict severe damage to South Korea and the U.S. forces stationed on the peninsula. While analysts often focus on the so-called Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s arsenal of ballistic missiles, the real threat emanating from the North comes in the form of heavy artillery and special operations forces, which could wreak havoc on the South. In the event of a war on the Korean Peninsula, Pyongyang’s ground forces are the gr... more »

No F-35: The JF-17 Isn't Sexy, But Its Perfect For Pakistan's Defense Needs

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, * Thanks China. *Key point*: It seems likely to show up in the new again if there any future showdowns between Pakistani and Indian aviation. In the 2019 Paris Air Show, Pakistan its lightweight JF-17 Thunder jet fighter it began building a decade ago in conjunction with China. You can see the seven-ton fighter performing maneuvers in this video. Just a few months earlier, Pakistan dispatched what it claimed to be twenty-five JF-17s to launch a lightning strike across the Line of Control on targets in Kashmir, in retaliation for an Indian air raid o... more »

America's Strong Marine Corps Is Only One Of The World's Best Fighting Forces

Caleb Larson at The National Interest - 23 hours ago
*Caleb Larson* *Security, World* Here are the other four. *Key point: *America's largest defense budget gives it an important edge. America’s most famous Marine, retired Marine Corps General James Mattis, coined the phrase, “no better friend, no worse enemy” to describe the United States Marine Corps. The USMC is world-renowned, but does any other country have a Corps that can compare? A breakdown of the strengths, weaknesses, and the roles of five notable Marine Corps from around the world. *United States* If sheer size were the deciding factor, the USMC would win in a heartbe... more »

What We’ve Got Here, Is A Failure To Communicate…

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 1 day ago
*-by Bob Lynch* In one of the more shocking political twists in recent memory, the GOP-controlled Senate, under Mitch McConnell, repeatedly voted Tuesday night on various motions along straight party lines (53–47) to ensure that the Impeachment trial of Donald J. Trump will be anything but a fair actual trial. Essentially, they voted not to subpoena any new evidence or witnesses and rendered the entire trial completely meaningless, despite the delusional glimmers of hope dangled out by everyone from Claire McCaskill to Lawrence O’Donnell to Chris Coons, and even Chuck Rosenberg i... more »

Lucid Living

Caitlin Johnstone at Caitlin Johnstone - 1 day ago
Beneath all our evolutionary conditioning, beneath all our cultural mind viruses and power-serving, power-promulgated belief systems, beneath the chaos and confusion of life in an insane society, there is a deep stillness. We all know deep down in our guts that that stillness is there, […]

Tribute to Anna J. Schwartz

David Henderson at Econlib - 1 day ago
Marginal Revolution University (MRU) has put out an excellent video on the late Anna J. Schwartz, one of the first really successful female economists. I started to write down some reminiscences, but realized that I did so in 2012 when she died. I’ll mention one thing and then hit some highlights in this […] The post Tribute to Anna J. Schwartz appeared first on Econlib.

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