Sunday, January 05, 2020

5 January - a m - Blogs I'm Following - 1 of 6

2:30 am MST

No ministers for 'Newsnight'?

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 3 minutes ago
According to a thinly-sourced piece in *The Mail on Sunday, *the Government intends to boycott *Newsnight *over the appointment of Lewis Goodall because of his "aggressively anti-Tory comments on social media". If that proves to be the case, then the Government will be boycotting two flagship BBC current affairs programmes. Wonder what Lewis will tweet in reponse to the *Mail*?

Black Caps' SCG resistance can't mask one-sided summer

Dan Colasimone at Just In - 5 minutes ago
As New Zealand prepares to go gentle into the good night, it's hard not to wish for a more competitive summer, writes Dan Colasimone.

Ferocious blaze rips through properties in idyllic Southern Highlands west of Sydney

Steve Vivian , Nick McLaren And Caitlin Dugan at Just In - 5 minutes ago
Residents are counting the cost and more houses are feared lost after the out-of-control Currowan fire tears through the Southern Highlands region destroying homes in Wingello, Bundanoon and the Kangaroo Valley.

Tourism Australia pauses rollout of 'Matesong' campaign in UK amid scenes of bushfire carnage

Sophie Meixner at Just In - 5 minutes ago
$15 million can buy you a star-studded advertising campaign, but as Tourism Australia has learned, it can't give you control over the timing of natural disasters.

Diver killed in fatal shark attack near Esperance off WA's south-east coast

James Carmody And Jacob Kagi at Just In - 5 minutes ago
A man is dead after being attacked by a suspected white shark while diving near Cull Island off the Esperance coast, with police and rescuers still searching the water for his body.

Ash Barty to donate prize money to bushfire recovery

Steve Vivian at Just In - 5 minutes ago
The world number one joins the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in pledging support for Australia's plight, as Nicole Kidman, Pink and Celeste Barber raise millions for the fire services.

Sunday Sermonette

LL at Virtual Mirage - 7 minutes ago
*What did Jesus Look Like?* I'm only slightly annoyed at the pictures at many (if not all) Christian churches which depict Jesus. Sometimes he has blonde hair and blue eyes - Nordic Jesus. Once in the South, I saw an "Elvis Jesus", which seemed a bit blasphemous. I went to a snake church in Kentucky that had Jesus holding a rattlesnake some years ago. Churches that cater to a primarily negro congregation often have paintings that depict 'black Jesus'. Last week, I saw a painting of Jesus that made him look like an emaciated hippie. Then there's the shroud of Turin that has a questio... more »

Entering The Mystery Of Christmas

Fr. Stephen FREEMAN at OrientalReview.org - 18 minutes ago
Orthodox Christianity is deeply associated with the word “mystery.” Its theological hymns are replete with paradox, repeatedly affirming two things to be true that are seemingly contradictory. Most of these things are associated with what is called “apophatic” theology, or a theology that is “unspeakable.” This same theological approach is […]

"Iran Update 1/5/20"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 26 minutes ago
“It would indeed be the ultimate tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more noble than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump.” - David Ormsby-Gore ○ "The Red Flag Of Jihad" "Retaliation Begins: Multiple Mortar Attacks On US Presence In Iraq, Hezbollah Warns Security Forces 'Stay Away' "'No More Threats' - Trump Warns Iran '52 Targets Will Be Hit Very Fast & Hard'" "CFR President Says 'The World Will Be The Battlefield' After Iran Escalation" "With Iran War Looming, Congress Has Been Left Out"

Japanese art and Torii Kiyonaga (1752-1815)

Lee Jay at Modern Tokyo Times - 47 minutes ago
Japanese art and Torii Kiyonaga (1752-1815) Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The Japanese woodblock (ukiyo-e) artist Torii Kiyonaga was a very innovative artist who helped to enhance the prestige of the Torii School. Indeed, despite Kiyonaga not belonging to the Torii family, he still rose to the top and adopted this esteemed name. Kiyonaga […]

Another brutal Sunni Islamist terrorist attack kills children on a bus in Burkina Faso

Lee Jay at Modern Tokyo Times - 47 minutes ago
Another brutal Sunni Islamist terrorist attack kills children on a bus in Burkina Faso Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Another brutal Sunni Islamist terrorist attack in Burkina Faso killed children and adults on a bus. The brutality of terrorist attacks in this nation is extremely shocking. Thus, the latest roadside bomb […]

"Learn Faster With The Feynman Technique"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 55 minutes ago
*"How to Learn Faster with the Feynman Technique"* by Thomas Frank "If you want to cut your study time, using the Feynman Technique is a great way to do it. Named after the physicist Richard Feynman, it revolves around explaining a concept in simple language as if you were teaching it to someone else. In this video, I'll show you exactly how to use the Feynman Technique."

“9 Signs You've Found Your Soulmate (If You Believe In That Sort Of Thing)”

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 55 minutes ago
*“9 Signs You've Found Your Soulmate* * (If You Believe In That Sort Of Thing)”* by Kelsey Borresen “Mention the word "soulmate" to a group of people and you're bound to get a few eye rolls. The idea that there's one magical person for you who you'll fall in love with instantly and never disagree with is just not realistic. What does exist- at least for many people- is a person who you know instinctively, who you connect with on the deepest level and who allows you to grow as a person within the relationship. When that person is a romantic partner, you've come across something truly... more »

US Ready to Strike 52 Iranian Sites ‘Very Hard, Very Fast’ if Tehran Attacks

OYE NEWS at OYE Alternative News - 1 hour ago
Well as predicted when airstrikes began last weekend, things escalated rather quickly. Protests outside US Embassy, then the assassination of General Qassem Suleimani ordered by Trump, Iran responded as you’d expect and promised to take “severe revenge”. Donald Trump has now said if Iran attacks he is ready to strike 52 Iranian sites “very fast … The post US Ready to Strike 52 Iranian Sites ‘Very Hard, Very Fast’ if Tehran Attacks appeared first on OYE Alternative News.

"We All Know..."; "We Danced..."

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 1 hour ago
“We all know that something is eternal. And it ain’t houses and it ain’t names, and it ain’t earth, and it ain’t even the stars... everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings. All the greatest people ever lived have been telling us that for five thousand years and yet you’d be surprised how people are always losing hold of it. There’s something way down deep that’s eternal about every human being." - Thornton Wilder “We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of Infini... more »

Midnight Meme Of The Day!

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 1 hour ago
*by Noah* *Sunday Thoughts:* Trump actually said the words in tonight's meme, to cheers and applause. As for the picture, some of course were shocked when Trump mocked a disabled man to the hoots and hollers of his rancid mob of fans, but, given Trump's long-demonstrated sickness, those who were shocked must have led very naive lives. Trump knows and cares nothing about fostering understanding and respect for anyone but himself. That is the way of today's Republican Christians. With them, greed and personal power is the root of all desire. That is why they support Trump. That is ... more »

How A Bad Captain Can (Almost) Sink Your Aircraft Carrier

James Holmes at The National Interest - 1 hour ago
*James Holmes* *History, Asia* [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Franklin_(CV-13)#/media/File:USS_Franklin_(CV-13)_afire_and_listing_after_a_Japanese_air_attack_on_19_March_1945_(80-G-273882).jpg] Here's what happened to the USS Franklin. *Key point: *Every choice matters when a ship has been badly wounded. Seldom does your humble scribe come away incensed from reading history. The saga of the World War II aircraft carrier USS *Franklin* (CV-13) constitutes an exception. We normally think of *Franklin*’s history as a parable about the importance of shipboard firefighting ... more »

The 1979 Sino-Vietnam War Was The Crucible That Forged China's New Military

Charlie Gao at The National Interest - 1 hour ago
*Charlie Gao* *Security, Asia* A big loss leads to needed reforms. *Key point: *In one Chinese general’s words, the border conflict “allowed him to achieve his dream of waging modern war by modern methods.” When the Sino-Vietnamese war ended on March 16, 1979, it was hardly a definite resolution of the conflict. Both sides claimed victory, and Vietnam continued to pressure China’s allies in Cambodia and Thailand. As a result, the PLA continued to apply pressure to Vietnam by launching attacks across the Vietnamese border throughout the 1980s. While casualties were small relative... more »

January 7th-12th Program at Federal Justice Cultural Center in Rio

Contributing Reporter at The Rio Times - 2 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Check out the events currently scheduled at the CCJF — Centro Cultural Justiça Federal (Federal Justice Cultural Center) in downtown Rio de Janeiro for the week of January 7th until January 12th. CINEMA Classics and Successes of the Cinema / Film Club. (Photo: internet reproduction) Classics and Successes of the […] The post January 7th-12th Program at Federal Justice Cultural Center in Rio appeared first on The Rio Times.

Quote of the Day

vonMesser at 'Nox & Friends - 2 hours ago

Video Of Soleimani Taunting Trump Over 'Idiotic' Tweets Surfaces Online

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 2 hours ago
*Sputnik:* *Video of Soleimani Taunting Trump Over 'Idiotic' Tweets, Comparing Him to Bartender Surfaces Online* The senior general and commander of the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, responsible for Iranian military operations abroad, was killed in a US drone strike early Friday morning, ramping up tensions between Tehran and Washington. The Middle East Media Research Institute has dug up year-and-a-half-old footage of a speech given by Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in which the Quds Force commander blasts US President Donald Trump over his “idiotic” Twitter comments and warns the... more »

Tweets For Today

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 2 hours ago
Iranians raise blood red 'flags of revenge' as they vow to hit back after US killed general Qassem Soleimani https://t.co/gmzggXpsri — Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) January 5, 2020 Iran strike puts U.S. cybersecurity experts on alert. https://t.co/uK8Ddd5dzn — NBC News (@NBCNews) January 5, 2020 US Navy cancels joint exercises in Morocco, redeploys troops in Middle East – reports@USNavy https://t.co/o0R2bqfuGH — Sputnik (@SputnikInt) January 5, 2020 Qassem Soleimani's home. An Iranian blogger, per Abu Ali, says that Soleimani’s family members have taped the cupboard doors t... more »

Twitter ye not!

Craig at Is the BBC biased? - 2 hours ago
According to *The Sunday Telegraph's *Christopher Hope, "several" BBC executives have told the paper that "the BBC's top journalists" are to be "summoned" and "given advice" about their use of social media platforms like Twitter. They will be "urged" to rein in their tweeting about politics. The paper mentions Huw Edwards, John Simpson and Emily Maitlis by name. One "senior BBC executive" is quoted saying: Too many people within the BBC use it as their own vanity project to get their own views out... It becomes an echo chamber that attracts more and more anger. We have talked abo... more »

These fires are disastrous, but we haven't even hit peak heatwave season yet

Just In - 3 hours ago
Public attention on the disastrous bushfire crisis in Australia will rightly continue for weeks to come. But as we direct resources to coping and recovery, we should not forget other weather and climate challenges looming this summer, writes Neville Nicholls.

Stars' Marcus Stoinis fined for homophobic slur against Renegades' Kane Richardson

Just In - 3 hours ago
The Melbourne Stars all-rounder is fined but not suspended for directing a homophobic slur towards his Melbourne Renegades opponent during their Big Bash clash at the MCG.

Teen athletics sensation Sasha Zhoya turns his back on Australia

Clint Thomas at Just In - 3 hours ago
One of the most promising athletes in Australian sport turns his back on the country of his birth, choosing to represent France.

Farmers grapple with how to dispose of livestock killed in bushfires

Sophie Meixner And Tom Lowrey at Just In - 3 hours ago
Images of fleeing kangaroos and dehydrated koalas have captured the world's attention during Australia's bushfire crisis — but heartbreaking photos of perished livestock paint an equally devastating picture.

Bright orange, then pitch black as Qantas flight hits turbulence in fire's cloud

Michael Black And Jordan Hayne at Just In - 3 hours ago
Passengers describe the terrifying moment their flight from Melbourne to Canberra entered a fire-generated weather system over south-eastern Australia.

Morrison denies Facebook post an advertisement as he announces fires recovery agency

Just In - 3 hours ago
The Prime Minister defends his office's use of taxpayer money to produce and distribute a social media message about Defence deployments to assist during the bushfire crisis.

Several ill in Danish Salmonella outbreak ate undercooked sausage

Joe Whitworth at Food Safety News - 3 hours ago
Several people part of a Salmonella outbreak in Denmark tasted or ate raw or undercooked sausage, according to a recently published study. In November 2018, an outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium was detected. It sickened at least 49 people across the country. A traditional form of raw Danish pork sausage called medister sausage was believed... Continue Reading

Antiwar Protesters Demonstrate Across The U.S. Condemning The Killing Of Suleimani

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 3 hours ago
*USA Today:* *Outraged Americans condemn US actions in Iraq and Iran: 'Enough with this nonsense'* Demonstrators took to the streets across the U.S. on Saturday to protest the Trump administration's killing of a top Iranian general and decision to send about 3,000 more soldiers to the Middle East. “No justice, no peace. U.S. out of the Middle East,” about 200 protesters chanted near the Trump Tower in Chicago. Protesters held signs that read “Stop bombing Iraq” and “U.S. troops out of Iraq.” More than 70 planned protests were being spearheaded by Act Now to Stop War and End Racis... more »

Australian Daily Wind Power Generation Data – Saturday 4th January 2020

TonyfromOz at PA Pundits – International - 3 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 […]

Never Trust Hollywood With History

PA Pundits - International at PA Pundits – International - 3 hours ago
By Brent Bozell and Tim Graham ~ Hollywood loves taking apart conservatives. So when presented with the idea of men in the highest reaches of the conservative media sexually harassing women at the office, it was manna from heaven. You’ll not find a ripped-from-the-headlines TV dramatization of Harvey Weinstein’s predations. There’s no hellish-office movie on […]

Outcry Spreads Over Green Energy Projects

PA Pundits - International at PA Pundits – International - 3 hours ago
By Bonner Cohen, Ph.D. ~ As fast as developers seek approval for new renewable energy projects, people opposed to having their predominantly rural communities invaded by transmission lines, wind turbines, and solar arrays mount a counterattack. Resistance has spread from coast to coast, and the battles are fought in city halls, local boards of health, […]

Picture Of The Day

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 3 hours ago
Evacuees are transported by landing craft to MV Sycamore at Mallacoota, Australia. AAP Image/Supplied by the Department of Defence, Shane Cameron/via REUTERS *WNU Editor:* The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... *Deadly wildfires in Australia* (Reuters).

January 5th – 2020 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #1081

sundance at The Last Refuge - 3 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 →

Sunday January 5th – Open Thread

sundance at The Last Refuge - 3 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 →

The US Government Lies Constantly, And The Burden Of Proof Is On The Accuser

Caitlin Johnstone at Caitlin Johnstone - 4 hours ago
Over the last 48 hours I’ve been splitting my free time between (A) learning as much as I possibly can about the US assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and (B) arguing with people online who are uncritically swallowing US government claims about why […]

Iran / Iraq News Thread

E.M.Smith at Musings from the Chiefio - 4 hours ago
Open thread for breaking news and events related to Iran, Iraq, etc. Continue reading →

Germany Has Less than Two Dozen Helicopers That Are Ready For Combat

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 4 hours ago
Personnel reassmble an NH90 after its arrival in the northwestern African country of Mali in 2017. Bundeswehr *Warzone/The Drive:* *Germany Has Fewer Than 10 Tiger And 12 NH90 Helicopters Ready For Combat* Germany blames Airbus for the helicopters' low availability, but it is the latest example of the country's general continuing readiness woes. A report has emerged that shows just 15 percent of Germany's Tiger attack helicopters and only around 12 percent of its NH90 transport helicopters were mission capable as of November 2019. The German Armed Forces, or Bundeswehr, has blamed... more »

Why Russia's T-10M Heavy Tank Would Just Not Die

Charlie Gao at The National Interest - 4 hours ago
*Charlie Gao* *Security, * The T-10 is one of the longest-lasting tank designs in the world. *Key point: *In the end, the reason why the T-10M stuck around was likely institutional inertia. The T-10 is one of the longest-lasting tank designs in the world. Adopted in 1953, the tank served for over 40 years before finally being decommissioned in 1997. Along the way, the design underwent several revisions to keep it modern, from the T-10A to the ultimate variant, the T-10M. But what made the T-10 design so enduring? Just how good was the T-10M? Why was it kept in service so long? ... more »

Stealth Questions: What's the Difference Between F-35A and F-35B?

Charlie Gao at The National Interest - 4 hours ago
*Charlie Gao* *Technology, Americas* [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/ISRAEL-MILITARY--RC1B826A4350.html] We'll fill you in! *Key Points:* The F-35B is worse. Often times, the F-35 has been colloquially referred to as one aircraft in the media, or various versions of the F-35 have been conflated with each other. However, despite their shared “program,” the standard F-35A and the VSTOL F-35B are very different and even feature different fuselages in addition to the additional complexity introduced in the B variant. The primary difference between the two jets is that ... more »

Still A Killer: Why Russia Hasn't Written Off The T-80 Tank

Charlie Gao at The National Interest - 4 hours ago
*Charlie Gao* *Security, Europe* And won't not anytime soon. *Key point: *Not only T-80BVs are getting modernized though, as in July 2018 it was reported that the Russian MoD was also looking into modernizing the T-80UE1. While many Russian tank types are nominally meant to be replaced by the T-14 Armata, the modernization of old tank types is still occurring. Perhaps one of the more overlooked tanks that continues to be modernized are variants of the T-80. While some in the West thought the design was a dead end after what was seen as a lackluster performance in Chechnya, many... more »

As The Senate Makes It Clear They're About To Grant Trump Immunity From His Criminal Behavior, Netanyahu Is Wishing He Had A Moscow Mitch Of His Own

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 4 hours ago
On March 3, Israelis will go to the polls to try to elect a prime minister-- again. This’ll be the third time in 12 months. The acting prime minster-- Benjamin Netanyahu, a Trump-like figure (who Trump is supporting)-- is also a criminal. Yesterday, Cheri Shalev penned a piece for *Haartetz* that should make it easier for Americans who want some background to follow the election-- Immunity With His Orwellian Doublespeak, There’ll Be No Stopping Him. Trump, of course, has his own pardon power, though he will be the first president to use it on himself and his immediate family. I... more »

Who the Winners Are from America’s Destruction of Iraq and War Against Iran

Eric Zuesse at The Duran - 4 hours ago
Eric Zuesse Americans are unfortunately severely reluctant to disbelieve the lies that normally spew forth from the U.S. Government about foreign countries and especially about foreign countries that it invades or wants to invade. Consider, for examples, the lies that were told against Iraq when Saddam Hussein ruled it, or about Libya when Muammar Gaddafi […] More The post Who the Winners Are from America’s Destruction of Iraq and War Against Iran appeared first on The Duran.

Can China’s Long March 4 Revive the Spirit of JFK and Defuse Space Force?

Matthew Ehret at The Duran - 4 hours ago
China’s successful launch of its Long March 5 Rocket on December 26 was a powerful reminder of humanity’s true mission and higher nature as a species of reason and discovery which came at just the right moment as China/US tensions have fallen to new lows in recent months. For those who may not be aware, the Long […] More The post Can China’s Long March 4 Revive the Spirit of JFK and Defuse Space Force? appeared first on The Duran.

Israel, Greece And Cyprus Sign A Gas Pipeline Deal Over Turkey's Objections

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 5 hours ago
*Al Jazeera:* *Greece, Israel, Cyprus sign gas pipeline deal, angering Turkey* Accord creates new tensions between Greece and Turkey as Ankara says EastMed project cannot proceed without its consent. The leaders of Greece, Israel and Cyprus met in Athens on Thursday to sign a deal for an undersea pipeline that would carry gas from new offshore deposits in the southeastern Mediterranean to continental Europe - a move that has riled Turkey. The 2,000-km (1,243-mile) EastMed pipeline is intended to provide an alternative gas source for energy-hungry Europe, which is currently larg... more »

Up to 13.8 ft of snow headed for the Cascades

Robert at Ice Age Now - 5 hours ago
In just four days. Today Snow showers. Wind chill values between -14F and -19F. Chance of precipitation 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible. Tonight Snow showers. Wind chill values between -10F and -15F. Chance of precipitation 80%. New snow accumulation of 11 to 17 inches possible. Sunday Snow before 4pm, ... Read moreUp to 13.8 ft of snow headed for the Cascades The post Up to 13.8 ft of snow headed for the Cascades appeared first on Ice Age Now.

Publisher’s Platform: Marler Clark donates $100,000 to Dave Theno Scholarship at Stop Foodborne Illness

Bill Marler at Food Safety News - 5 hours ago
This fellowship was created in Dave’s honor after his sudden passing in 2017. It is a special opportunity for a young food scientist to work closely with Stop Foodborne Illness and learn from members who have experienced the consequences of failures in food safety firsthand. The Dave Theno Food Safety Fellowship is a partnership between Stop Foodborne... Continue Reading

Donald Trump vows to hit 52 Iranian targets if Iran retaliates after Qassem Soleimani's death

Just In - 5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump threatens to hit 52 Iranian sites "very hard" if Iran attacks Americans or US assets after a drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani.

At least 24 killed, others trapped in building collapse in Cambodia

Just In - 5 hours ago
The seven-storey concrete building collapsed on Friday in the coastal town of Kep, about 160 kilometres south-west of the capital Phnom Penh.

'Just magnificent': Farmer fights back tears as 'army of angels' convoy arrives

Emilia Terzon And Charlotte King at Just In - 5 hours ago
A huge truck convoy, driven by volunteers and hauling essential fire relief supplies, has received an emotional welcome in a fire-ravaged East Gippsland community.

Skeleton identified as the 'ghost of Manzanar', a Japanese WWII prisoner and artist

Just In - 5 hours ago
A skeleton found by hikers near California's second-highest peak is identified as a Japanese-American artist who had left an internment camp to paint in the mountains during World War II.

Tasmania becoming a top wedding destination for eloping couples

Ainsley Koch at Just In - 5 hours ago
While many happy couples plan their wedding for months, or years, more and more are choosing to save the fuss and travel to Tasmania to elope.

Eden's wharf offered a refuge from fire, then police warned it wasn't safe

Nick Wiggins at Just In - 5 hours ago
Hundreds of people sheltering in the New South Wales coastal town of Eden face the choice of defending their homes or fleeing, as authorities warn a massive fire is moving towards the area.

Concerns for devastated wildlife and livestock as third of Kangaroo Island burnt

Just In - 5 hours ago
The devastating degree of damage to infrastructure, livestock and wildlife is coming to light as bushfires continue to burn on Kangaroo Island, while a man is charged with intentionally causing bushfires in a separate incident in South Australia.

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