11:33 pm MST
North Korea’s Hwasong-14: a ‘made in Ukraine’ propaganda missile?
Report in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' suggests capabilities of missile have been exaggerated and that it may have been built from parts made in Ukraine More The post North Korea’s Hwasong-14: a ‘made in Ukraine’ propaganda missile? appeared first on The Duran.
China might start a ‘limited war’ with India
China’s limited military action could start within one week. More The post China might start a ‘limited war’ with India appeared first on The Duran.
7 charities so far have bailed on Mar-a-Lago.
Courtesy of The Hill: *Another charity has canceled an event planned at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, marking the seventh group to scrap fundraising events at the luxury Palm beach, Fla., club. * *The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach said on Facebook Saturday that it had pulled its annual dinner dance from Trump’s Palm Beach estate. * *“Given the current environment surrounding Mar-a-Lago, we have made the decision to move our annual dinner dance,” the group wrote. * *The local nonprofit is “dedicated to protecting and celebrating the unique architectural and cultural ... more »
BREAKING NEWS: CCTV Cameras Actually WORK in Siberian City!
*CCTV Camera Footage of Knife Attacker * *being Chased then Shot by Police Officer* Can you imagine the importance of this earth shattering event?! After decades of newsworthy events failing to be captured on the Omnipresent CCTV cameras...now installed on every major street corner throughout the world...it actually happened! In the historic video above, a CCTV camera set up in the remote city of Surgut, Siberia, actually functioned as intended! In this stunning footage, the camera actually captured the moment when a Russian police officer shot a knife wielding attacker on the ru... more »
Foreign Policy Report: President Trump Wants To Cut Off All U.S. Military Aid To Pakistan
U.S. President Donald Trump steps from Air Force One as he arrives in Morristown, New Jersey, U.S., after visiting Camp David in Maryland August 18, 2017 (Photo: Reuters) *Daily Times*:* Trump to ‘cut all military aid to Pakistan’* ** Report says US president believes Washington is being 'ripped off' by Islamabad* *WASHINGTON:* US President Donald Trump is mulling over cutting off all military aid to Pakistan because 'Washington is being ripped off by Islamabad', claims a Foreign Policy report. As Trump reviewed an array of options for a strategy on Afghanistan with his top natio... more »
How to not make a major landscaping mistake...
*it's yuuuuuuuge* *not that I would ever do such a thing.* Oh yes I would! Here it is. Ready? *Always, always be aware of what the full size of a plant will be before you stick it in the ground.* *Case in point:* When we moved in 20 years ago our five acres consisted of the noxious weed knapweed. There was not one tree, bush, or blade of grass. Naturally, I was in a hurry to make it all pretty. First up was to plan the foundation plantings. I chose sea green juniper which is a pretty arching juniper - until it isn't. *Mine were about half this size at planting* They looked pr... more »
Sunday Morning Links
This and that for your Sunday reading. - Amira Elghawaby comments on the loss of empathy in Canadian politics - particularly due to a disproportionate focus on the perceived self-interest of a narrow group of upper-middle-class swing voters, rather than speaking to and about the people with the greatest need for collective voice: A few years ago, psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley ran several studies that provide crucial insight into understanding this phenomenon. Paul Piff and Dacher Keltner wanted to investigate the role of social class. By measuring how those... more »
College is Moving Confederate Memorial Plaque
Bowdoin College is moving a Confederate memorial plaque from a school lobby to the archives and special collections of its library in the wake of deadly, race-fueled clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia. Bowdoin President Clayton Rose announced Saturday that the school has concluded that historical artifacts “directly tied to the leadership of a horrible ideology are […]
Citing Trump Remarks, Entire President’s Arts Council Quits
NEW YORK — Another presidential advisory committee is breaking up. Actor Kal Penn, artist Chuck Close and the entire membership of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities have announced their resignation. A letter dated Friday, and signed by 16 of 17 committee members, cited the “false equivalence” of President Donald Trump’s comments […]
After Hearing, UNC Awaits NCAA Ruling in Academic Case
The University of North Carolina has wrapped up a two-day hearing with an NCAA infractions committee panel that will decide whether the school faces penalties tied to its multi-year academic scandal.
New Fisk President Brings Optimism Aboard
Fisk University is one of many historically Black schools that have felt the pain of financial issues over the years. However, under the leadership of new president, Dr. Kevin Rome, these issues may soon diminish.
St. Philip’s College Embraces Dual Identity
Artemisia Bowden St. Philip’s College has the distinction of being both a historically Black college and a Hispanic serving institution.
Veterans Get Expanded College Assistance Under Trump
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Military veterans are getting unlimited access to college assistance under legislation President Donald Trump has signed into law. The Forever GI Act removed a 15-year limit on using the benefits, effective immediately. The measure increases financial assistance for National Guard and Reserve members, building on a 2008 law that guaranteed veterans a […]
Judge Approves $250K Settlement for College Student’s Death
CLEMSON, S.C. — A judge has approved a $250,000 settlement between Clemson University and the family of a student who died during a fraternity pledge run nearly three years ago. Court records filed Thursday show Judge Robin Stilwell approved the deal reached earlier this month. Clemson promises to create a $50,000 endowment in Tucker Hipps’ […]
In Letter to Staff, DeVos Condemns Charlottesville Violence
WASHINGTON — Facing criticism over her muted response to the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Thursday condemned those “tragic and unthinkable” events and blasted “neo-Nazis and other racist bigots” in a letter to staff. DeVos’ email to Education Department employees came after she was criticized for insufficiently condemning the violence, in […]
Michigan State University Rejects White Nationalist Event
DETROIT — Michigan State University has denied a request to rent space to a group headed by white nationalist Richard Spencer. The university said in a statement Thursday that the decision was made “due to significant concerns about public safety.” It cites last weekend’s “tragic violence” in Charlottesville, Virginia. Michigan State officials say they support […]
SEE YOU SOON
I'll be away from the blog for a while -- probably about a week. The relief crew will be here while I'm gone, so stop by.
Bannon’s Ouster as Trump’s Chief Strategist Largely Self-inflicted
[image: bannon-s-ouster-as-trump-s-chief-strategist-largely-self-inflicted] Steve Bannon in many respects was a loose cannon, supportive of conservative principles at times and destructive of them at other times.
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis: President Trump Has Made His Decision On What To Do In Afghanistan
Important day spent at Camp David with our very talented Generals and military leaders. Many decisions made, including on Afghanistan. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017 *Reuters:* *Trump has made Afghanistan decision after 'rigorous' U.S. review: Mattis* AMMAN, Reuters - President Donald Trump has a made a decision on the United States' strategy for Afghanistan after a "sufficiently rigorous" review process, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Sunday. However, Mattis did not provide details on when the White House would make an announcement or what the decisio... more »
VIDEO: Syrian Army close to liberating strategic east Homs town
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:10 P.M.) – After many weeks of fighting in and around the provincial border area between Homs and Deir Ezzor Governorates in Syria’s far southeast, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its paramilitary allies are finally on the verge of liberating the strategic town of Hamimah (also known as Humaymah). Recent footage (below) […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army advances against ISIS is east Homs
DAMASCUS, SYRIA ( 5:15 P.M.) – Syrian’s government forces continue to snatch more territories from the Islamic State in the eastern countryside of Homs as the group suffers heavy casualties. Today, the Syrian Army, aided by allied forces and Russian airstrikes, took over several hilltops located to the west of Shaer Mountain, thus paving the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
A funny Czech reaction to the anti-Confederate cultural genocide in the U.S.
Most Czech pundits and media are surprised by the neo-Marxist habit of tearing down of the Confederate statues in recent days. Iconoclasm is something that we remember well from the Nazi era and the communist era – and indeed, from the post-communist era, too. The far left is trying to rewrite the history and frame the U.S. president as a Ku-Klux-Klan boss of a sort and all these things are just bizarre. Let me pick a text by George X. Doležal – who is paid for somewhat funny, somewhat provocative works in Reflex, a mainstream journal. *Let's tear down the statues of Charles IV!* ... more »
Watch: Cop, Who’s Wrecked His Car 6 Times, Smashes into Smart Car at 104 MPH
[image: reckless]As a Florida cop prepares to go on trial for reckless driving, dashcam video was released that shows him driving 104 mph and crashing into a Smart car.
Cop Fired for Exposing Massive Police Sex Ring Including Children in ‘Explorers’ Program—Lawsuit
[image: police]High-ranking officials in the Gilroy Police Department are being accused of misconduct including having sex with minors and hosting sex parties at work.
The Problem is Bigger Than Trump and Obama — The Presidency Should be Abolished
[image: president]The president serves no useful function, but is a prime force in the devolution of debate and the persistence of false narratives -- while costing taxpayers billions.
The Unsolvable Math Problem
A student mistook examples of unsolved math problems for a homework assignment and solved them.
Comedian, Civil Rights Activist Dick Gregory Dies at 84
The comedian and activist broke racial barriers in the 1960s and used his humor to spread messages of social justice and nutritional health.
"Why Does North Korea Hate Us? One Reason- They Remember the Korean War”
*“Why Does North Korea Hate Us? * *One Reason- They Remember the Korean War”* by Mehdi Hasan “Why do they hate us?” It’s a question that has bewildered Americans again and again in the wake of 9/11, in reference to the Arab and Muslim worlds. These days, however, it’s a question increasingly asked about the reclusive North Koreans. Let’s be clear: There is no doubt that the citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea both fear and loathe the United States. Paranoia, resentment, and a crude anti-Americanism have been nurtured inside the Hermit Kingdom for decades. Children... more »
In Boston tens of thousands show up to counter protest small group of white nationalists trying to pass themselves off as free speech protesters.
#Boston reminds us that the VAST MAJORITY of Americans outnumber Nazis and White Supremacists. ✌️& ❤️ prevails #BostonCommon #resistboston pic.twitter.com/52lPpriCJZ — Dante DeVito (@DanteDeVito) August 19, 2017 Courtesy of ABC News: *A total of 33 arrests were made today, mostly from disorderly conduct and a few assaults on police officers, the Boston Police Department announced. Police Commissioner William Evans said at a news conference this afternoon that some urine-filled bottles were thrown at officers, and police indicated on Twitter that some demonstrators were throwing r... more »
VIDEO: Hezbollah on the roll in eastern Lebanon, ISIS expelled from a number of hills
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (4:30 P.M.) – Footage has emerged of Hezbollah (Lebanese paramilitary group) pushing through ISIS-held territory on the eastern border, looking to expel the terror group from a string of strategic hills. The video, released on Saturday, shows Hezbollah fighters storming three hills in the western Qalamoun region; namely Shabat Younes, Hafr Wadi Al-Dib […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
ISIS enclave in eastern Hama diminishing as Syrian Army takes over more territories
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (3:55 P.M.) – Having encircled dozens of the Islamic State militants in a small pocket in the eastern countryside of Hama, the Syrian Army began – this morning – a daring operation to storm the ISIS-held territories. According to a military source, the government forces managed to recapture 3 towns inside the pocket […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Breaking: Rebel rocket attack on Syria’s biggest festival kills 4
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (3:00 P.M.) – At least 4 civilians were killed, 4 others wounded as Islamist rebels targeted Damascus fairground with several missiles. The rockets hit the internal entrance of the stretching fairground where the 59th round of the festive Damascus International Fair is currently held after years of hiatus. No one has yet claimed […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
ISIS suffers heavy losses in Deir Ezzor city as the Syrian Army strikes back
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (2:45 P.M.) – ISIS insurgents were given no safe haven in eastern Syria over the past 24 hours as the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its airforce repeatedly pounded jihadist supply lines, command centers and fortifications. According to Al-Masdar News field correspondent Ibrahim Joudeh, at least 20 ISIS militants were killed on Saturday […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Iraqi Army sweeps through Tal Afar pocket, multiple villages liberated from ISIS
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (2:05 P.M.) – After officially restarting the Tal Afar offensive this morning, the Iraqi Armed Forces – backed by Kataib Hezbollah and the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) – sent thousands of troops and hundreds of armored vehicles into battle, thereby quickly brushing aside any jihadist resistance. According to an Al-Masdar News source on […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- August 20, 2017
An Afghan flag flutters next to a U.S. flag as a U.S Chinook helicopter flies over Panjshir province on July 24, 2011. Ahmad Masood / Reuters *Barry Posen, The Atlantic*:* It's Time to Make Afghanistan Someone Else's Problem* *A full withdrawal will force Iran, Russia, and others, to step up.* The Trump administration, as well as its critics, are reportedly wrestling with the question of a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, where the government has shown no signs of being able to turn the tide in the 16-year war against the Taliban. General John Nicholson, the commander of U.... more »
Everything You Need to Know: How Japan Could Get Nuclear Weapons
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Asia* Yes, it could happen. *In a sea-basing scheme Japan could emulate China, France or the United Kingdom, maintaining a force of five ballistic missile submarines, each equipped with sixteen nuclear-tipped missiles. Each missile would be equipped with four 100 kiloton warheads. The one submarine on patrol at all times would be equipped with sixty-four warheads.* It is perhaps China’s and even North Korea's greatest nightmare: a nuclear-armed Japan. Permanently anchored off the Asian mainland, bristling with nuclear weapons, a nuclear Japan would ma... more »
Get Ready, China: U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers are Headed to Vietnam
*Zachary Keck* *Security, Asia* What will China think? In a move that is sure to upset China, a U.S. aircraft carrier will be visiting Vietnam in 2018, the first time an American carrier will be in the country since the end of the Vietnam War. Last week, Vietnam's Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich visited the United States to meet with Secretary of Defense James Mattis. The readout of the meeting said the two defense leaders “directed their staffs to work toward arranging a first carrier visit to Vietnam once technical conditions permit.” The Pentagon later clarified that the goal ...more »
How the A-4 Skyhawk Ruled the Skies
*Sebastien Roblin* *History, Asia* This was one tough jet. Modern jet fighters continue to grow ever more complicated and more fantastically expensive. But some of the most influential aircraft in history succeeded instead because they could do their job pretty well at a very reasonable cost. Such was the case of the agile A-4 Skyhawk, a small but heavy-lifting attack jet that would carve out a major place for itself in American history—and also that of Israel and Argentina. In 1952, Douglas aviation engineer Ed Heinemann sought to create a replacement for the Navy’s AD1 Skyraid... more »
Russia Is Now Letting Women Become Fighter Pilots
*Michael Peck* *Security, Europe* A big deal? During World War II, a handful of Soviet women became legends as pilots flying combat missions against Nazi troops. But since 1991 and the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian military pilots have been strictly male. Even as the United States, Britain and Israel eventually accepted females as fighter pilots, the glass ceiling barred the glass cockpit to Russian women. But Russia's military has just announced that women will be allowed to become military pilots. “There are quite a few girls who would like to become military pilots,... more »
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From Jenna Orkin 'Inconvenient' Fact: Morgan Stanley Says Electric Cars Create More CO2 Than They Save U.S. Has 3.5 Million More Registered Voters Than Live Adults - A Red Flag For Electoral Fraud Trump Jr. Follows Julian Assange, Sparks Media Panic That A Presidential Pardon Is In The Works Unmasking Antifa Why people believe in conspiracy theories – and how to change their minds Members of Trump's arts commission spell R-E-S-I-S-T in memo announcing mass resignations Only In Cali: New Bill Would Imprison Healthcare Workers For Using Incorrect Pronouns With Patients How to ... more »
World News Briefs -- August 20, 2017
*DW*: *Iraq launches fresh offensive to reclaim IS-held Tal Afar* Iraq's premier has warned militants of the self-styled "Islamic State" to surrender "or be killed." Iraqi forces have made significant gains over the past year, culminating in the liberation of Mosul. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Sunday announced a new offensive to liberate the strategic city of Tal Afar, located 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Mosul, from the "Islamic State" militant group. Dressed in military uniform, al-Abadi warned in a televised speech that the militant group should surrender or mee...more »
Leaving All Of Us In Poverty
In this weekend's *Globe and Mail*, Amira Elghawaby asks, "Where has all our empathy gone?" That's a question a lot of us are asking after Charlottesville. Here in Canada, Elghawaby writes, we have no reason to look down our noses at out neighbours to the South: The events in Charlottesville, Va., are only the most recent to explode on our screens – and while this is happening more apparently in the South, many agree that Canadians have nothing to be smug about. For instance, why is it that until now our federal government has refused to provide adequate support to Indigenous chil... more »
If Ole Trumpanzee Doesn't Even Have Any Coattails In An Alabama GOP Primary...
The final count in the Republican primary in Alabama was 164,524 (38.87%) for crackpot Roy Moore and 138,971 (32.83%) for Trump and McConnell-backed establishment incumbent Luther Strange. Another crackpot, Rep. Mo Brooks took 83,287 votes (19.68%) and a scattering of 7 vanity candidates split another 30-some-odd thousand votes between them. Moore and Strange will face off in a runoff on September 26, the winner of which will then face Democrat Doug Jones, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, who won his 8-person primary with 109,105 votes (66.12%) on Decemb... more »
Media Remains Silent on Sen. McCain’s KKK Ancestry and How He Put Neo-Nazis in Power in Ukraine
[image: McCain]The mainstream media applauded John McCain for his criticism of President Trump, but it left out a few key elements of his history with Neo-Nazis.
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*Student demand grows faster at universities with higher graduate salaries, surprisingly enough* British universities that boast high graduate salaries have seen a bigger uptick in applications over the past five years than universities with lower average post-university wages, new research shows. The data suggests that students are increasingly being drawn to institutions that can virtually guarantee they will get a well-paid job after graduation. According to property company Savills, which looked at UCAS application numbers and linked them to graduate salaries, universities w... more »
"We Are All Free To Do Whatever We Want"
"We are all free to do whatever we want to do,” he said that night. “Isn’t that simple and clean and clear? Isn’t that a great way to run a universe?” “Almost. You forgot a pretty important part,” I said. “Oh?” “We are all free to do what we want to do, as long as we don’t hurt somebody else,” I chided. “I know you meant that, but you ought to say what you mean.” There was a sudden shambling sound in the dark, and I looked at him quickly. “Did you hear that?” “Yeah. Sounds like there’s somebody...” He got up, walked into the dark. He laughed suddenly, said a name I couldn’t catch. ... more »
"Positive Self-Deception"
*"Positive Self-Deception"* by Damninteresting.org "Most people think of the "mentally disordered" as a delusional lot, holding bizarre and irrational ideas about themselves and the world around them. Isn’t a mental disorder, after all, an impairment or a distortion in thought or perception? This is what we tend to think, and for most of modern psychology's history, the experts have agreed; realistic perceptions have been considered essential to good mental health. More recently, however, research has arisen that challenges this common-sense notion. In 1988, psychologists Shelly Ta... more »
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*Would global warming reduce sorghum yields?* *While not terribly well-known around Western dinner tables, sorghum is actually an important crop that feeds about half a billion people worldwide. It can be used for almost anything that other grain crops can be used for. It can be used to make syrup, to make bread and as livestock feed.So it is mildly disappointing and quite surprising to hear that higher temperatures would be harmful to it. It is normally known as a highly heat-resistant crop. So what is going on in the report below? There are several things that could... more »
BREAKING: Terrorists shell Damascus International Fair–4 dead
Tragedy hits the prominent international gathering More The post BREAKING: Terrorists shell Damascus International Fair–4 dead appeared first on The Duran.
BREAKING: No reconciliation deal between Turkey and Syria (VIDEO)
Bashar al-Assad has delivered a major speech asserting Syria's position on crucial issues while thanking its partners in the war against terrorism. More The post BREAKING: No reconciliation deal between Turkey and Syria (VIDEO) appeared first on The Duran.
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- August 20, 2017
The main gate at the US Army post at Fort Hood, Texas, in an undated photograph.REUTERS/III Corps Public Affairs/U.S. Army/Handout *Business Insider:* *These are the 10 US military bases still named after Confederate soldiers* Despite seceding and eventually losing the Civil War, the Confederacy lives on in a number of monuments in almost every state in the country. But it's not just monuments — like the Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville that led to an eruption of violence on August 12 — that are dedicated to Confederate officers. Schools, highways, parks, streets, and eve... more »
Trump Administration demanding that sheriffs keep undocumented immigrants in jail longer than legally allowed in order to allow time for deportation.
Courtesy of The Daily Beast: *President Donald Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants has some sheriffs worried the White House is pushing them to break the law – demanding they violate the Fourth Amendment or face vilification from the commander-in-chief. * *“It’s a total mess,” said Bob Gualtieri, the sheriff of Pinellas County, Fla. * *At issue is a complicated question: Should sheriffs keep undocumented immigrants in their jails for more time than otherwise necessary so that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers can pick them up to be deported? * *The Wh... more »
US Military Plane Crashes On The Rise
*FOX News:** US military plane crashes on the rise as aging fleet continues breaking down* WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard continues to search for Army soldiers who went missing after their Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed in the waters off Hawaii Tuesday night. It was the latest in a series of high-profile accidents involving military aircrafts – raising questions about their safety. Experts say the recent crashes underscore the pressing need to update the military’s aging aircraft fleet, which is increasingly putting members of the military at risk. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-... more »
Wreckage of WWII-Era Warship U.S.S. Indianapolis Found in Philippine Sea
We've located wreckage of USS Indianapolis in Philippine Sea at 5500m below the sea. '35' on hull 1st confirmation: https://t.co/V29TLj1Ba4 pic.twitter.com/y5S7AU6OEl — Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) August 19, 2017 *Paul Allen*: *Wreckage From USS Indianapolis Located In Philippine Sea | Paul Allen* Wreckage from the USS Indianapolis was discovered on Aug. 18 by the expedition crew of Paul G. Allen’s Research Vessel (R/V) Petrel. The Indianapolis was found 5,500 meters below the surface, resting on the floor of the North Pacific Ocean “To be able to honor the brave men of the USS Ind... more »
US Wages Cyberwar Abroad Under Cover of "Activism"
*August 20, 2017* (Joseph Thomas - NEO) - The threat of cyberterrorism has competed for centre stage in American politics with fears of "Russian hackers" disrupting everything from elections to electrical grids. And yet as US policymakers wield threats of cyberterrorism to promote a long and growing list of countermeasures and pretexts for expanding its conflict with Moscow, it is simultaneously promoting very real cyberterrorism globally. Worst of all, it does so under the guise of "activism." The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace recently published a paper titled, "Gro... more »
Global Warming Fails to Convince
Originally posted on Science Matters: I happened to read an article at Real Clear Science An Inconvenient Truth About ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ by Eric Merkley & Dominik Stecula August 18, 2017. The article itself is of middling interest, mainly being a lament that Al Gore became the leading promoter of public awareness about the dangers…
Climate Science Double-Speak: Update
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: Update by Kip Hansen ? Last week I wrote about UCAR/NCAR’s very interesting discussion on “What is the average global temperature now?”. [Adding link to previous post mentioned.] Part of that discussion revolved around the question of why current practitioners of Climate Science insist on using Temperature Anomalies…
North Korea Warns Of 'Catastrophe' And A 'Merciless Strike' If US-South Korea Military Drill Goes Ahead
*CNN*: *North Korea warns of 'merciless strike' ahead of US-South Korea drills* (CNN)North Korea warned Sunday that the upcoming US-South Korea military exercises are "reckless behavior driving the situation into the uncontrollable phase of a nuclear war." Pyongyang also declared that its army can target the United States anytime, and neither Guam, Hawaii nor the US mainland can "dodge the merciless strike." The messages in Rodong Sinmun, the official government newspaper, come a day before the US starts the Ulchi Freedom Guardian military exercises with South Korea. Tensions b... more »
Robert Efron On The Nature Of Perception
*What is Perception?* *By Robert Efron * *Boston Studies in the Philosophy of Science* In his essay, “What is Perception?”, Robert Efron shows how the knowledge of perception can be used to develop a better understanding of the disease called visual object agnosia. He writes, “Unfortunately, the exact nature of perception has never been adequately defined or conceptualized, with the result that those who attempt to study disorders of cognitive function do not always know whether a disturbance of cognition is due to a defect in a sensory, perceptual or conceptual process.” He take... more »
More British Jews considering move abroad as anti-Semitism fears grow
'Almost one in three British Jews has considered moving abroad in the past two years, a survey has found. One in six British Jews (17%) reported feeling unwelcome in Britain and over a third (37%) said they had felt the need to conceal their Judaism in public. The findings come from a large-scale study by the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism which surveyed nearly 4,000 members of the community during 2016 and 2017. They found that 31% of British Jews had considered moving abroad, a rise from 28% during their last survey two years ago. Some 65% of respondents said they believed the... more »
A Pessimistic View On Iraq`s Future From A Reporter Who Has Been In Iraq For The Past 3 Years
Photo of Mosul in February 2017 by Arshed Baghdadi *Alessandro Pavone, PBS:* *Analysis: Here’s what I learned from 3 years reporting in Iraq* Videographer Alessandro Pavone has been reporting in Iraq for the past three years since the Islamic State group took control of the Northern city of Mosul in the summer of 2014. He recounts some of the key moments on the front lines. I was on assignment in Afghanistan when Mosul fell to the Islamic State group in the summer of 2014. I had almost no access to Internet during the day and I wasn’t really following the news. Out of the blue, my... more »
This is how everybody should resign who currently works with Donald Trump.
Look at the first letter of each paragraph in the resignation letter of @PCAH_gov. pic.twitter.com/ux1W3a0c5k — Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) August 19, 2017 #RESIST.
From Muslims to Ukrainians–the alt-right to the alt-left, it is crucial not to slander an entire group
Donald Trump should not be forced to name and shame the alt-right, he ought to be urged to show tact instead of slandering Islam and Muslims. More The post From Muslims to Ukrainians–the alt-right to the alt-left, it is crucial not to slander an entire group appeared first on The Duran.
Best of: Syllabus For Your Life with Autism
Note: Cathy is enjoying a weekend off with her family. Here's a great post for back to school. ByCathy Jameson As I was sitting in Fiona’s classroom during the Open House at her high school last week, I glanced at...
Iraqi military begins important offensive to expel ISIL from northwest Iraq
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:55 A.M.) – The Iraqi Armed Forces kicked off their long-awaited Tal ‘Afar offensive in the northwestern countryside of the Nineveh Governorate, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-‘Abadi announced this morning. Led by the Federal Police and Iraqi Army, the armed forces stormed the Tal ‘Afar area from several axes, inflicting heavy damage on […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Is The Islamic State Broke?
A man purported to be the reclusive leader of the militant Islamic State Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi making what would have been his first public appearance, at a mosque in the centre of Iraq's second city, Mosul, according to a video recording posted on the Internet on... REUTERS/Social Media Website via Reuters TV/File Photo *Itai Zehorai, Forbes:* *Is ISIS Bankrupt?* *While remaining one of the biggest threats to the world, ISIS has suffered a loss of territory and is in financial decline.* Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS’s founder and spiritual leader, knew exactly what he was doing when ... more »
Kahlil Gibran, "The Prophet: On Giving"
*"On Giving"* "Then said a rich man, "Speak to us of Giving." And he answered: "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow? And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the over-prudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city? And what is fear of need but need itself? Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, thirst that is unquenchable? There are those who give little of the muc... more »
Iraqi Forces Have Started Their Assault On Tal Afar, One Of The Few Remaining ISIS Strongholds In Iraq
*BBC*: *IS conflict: Iraq launches ground offensive in Tal Afar* Iraqi ground forces have begun an operation to retake Tal Afar, the last major city in the country held by the Islamic State group, officials say. In a televised speech announcing the offensive overnight, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the jihadists had the choice between "surrender or die". The army targeted Tal Afar after seizing Mosul, IS's main stronghold 55km (35 miles) to the east, in July. Tal Afar, which has a mainly Shia-Muslim population, fell to IS in 2014. It sits on a major road between Mosul and t... more »
Electric Universe - Electric Mars-Earth - electromagnetic excavation of continents
*Mars ocean visualisation based on Crustal Depth...* Now, clearly Mars does not have oceans; maybe never had oceans. The image above is based solely on Crustal Depth i.e. that thickness of rock that covers Mars' exposed surface.You'll notice the gorge or canyon called Valis Marinaris stretching across the face of Mars from left to right, or west to east... Electric Universe proponents suggest that Mars's upper crustal hemisphere (which is noticably thinner than its lower hemisphere, as seen in the Crustal Depth plot at the foot of the above image) was electrically excavated by its... more »
These Are The Books And Movies In The Guantanamo Bay Prison Library
The entrance to Camp 1 in Guantanamo Bay's Camp Delta. Photo via DoD *The Warzone/The Drive*: *We Now Know What Books and Movies are in the Guantanamo Bay Prison Library* *The Harry Potter series and its brutal, fictional jail Azkaban have made notable impressions on the inmates.* The U.S. military’s detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – almost universally known as “Gitmo” and often abbreviated “GTMO” – is controversial to say the least, prompting continued and heated debates over torture and other legal issues, as well being a lightning rod for general criticism of U.S. co... more »
Midnight Meme Of The Day
*-by Noah* When Herr Trump decided to further embolden, legitimize, and normalize American Nazis, the KKK, and other White Supremacy advocates the other day, it wasn’t the first time. It was just the most forceful time he’s done it. He was no longer just re-tweeting the tweets and sentiments of these groups, as if that wasn’t horrific enough. It also wasn’t just like when he encouraged these sick people by accepting and welcoming their attendance at his campaign rallies last summer. No, this time it was at a nationally televised press conference at his home, surrounded by his staf... more »
Trump Administration Lay The Groundwork To Expand The Use Of Guantanamo Prison
Chain link fence and concertina wire surrounds a deserted guard tower within Joint Task Force Guantanamo's Camp Delta at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba March 21, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo *New York Times*: *Trump Officials Renew Effort to Expand Use of Prison at Guantánamo* WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is making a fresh attempt at drafting an executive order on handling terrorism detainees, reviving a struggle to navigate legal and geopolitical obstacles to expand use of the Guantánamo Bay wartime prison, according to officials familiar with inter... more »
Study validates East Antarctic ice sheet to remain stable even if western ice sheet melts
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: Public Release: 17-Aug-2017 Study validates East Antarctic ice sheet to remain stable even if western ice sheet melts Indiana University IMAGE: Team members taking a short ice core to study properties of sediment coming from the East Antarctic ice sheet. view more Credit: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory ? INDIANAPOLIS — A…
10-min video of Syrian rebels battling ISIS in east Qalamoun
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:15 A.M.) – The Jaysh al-Islam militant group has released a 10-minute video showing their battles against ISIS in Syria’s eastern Qalamoun mountains. Despite being released just yesterday, the footage shown in the video was captured prior to pro-government forces driving ISIS from the eastern Qalamoun region and de facto besieging Syrian rebel […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
18-mins video of Syrian Army fighting ISIS in eastern, central Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:15 A.M.) – The pro-government ANNA news agency has released an 18-minute video showing the latest military endeavors of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) – including the elite Tiger Forces – in eastern and central Syria. The ANNA news group on the ground begins its presentation in eastern Syria, following a number of […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
"our ABC" is not working to its charter. It is not "fair and balanced."
In the video below, notice how many times Emma Alberici interrupts Senator Malcom Roberts just as he is making a strong point. The video ends with Malcolm saying: *Impartiality and accuracy is not existent at the ABC.Maurice Newman, your Chairman, a few years ago, actually stood up and called the ABC staff on their group think. All he did was make a few few comments on that and he was howled down.* *Even the Chairman can't speak within the ABC.* And did Ms Alberici rebut this? NO! *Senator Roberts, we are out of time.* And the incident, re Maurice Newman that Senator Roberts... more »
The New Normal In Europe?
*(Click on Image to Enlarge)* *Daily Mail*:* Two years of terror: As Spain is left reeling by Barcelona attacks chilling map shows how more than 300 innocents have lost their lives in 16 separate jihadist atrocities* * Below is a map which documents the 16 attacks carried out by jihadis in Europe over the past two years * There were six incidents in France, three in Germany, three in Britain, two in Spain, one in Belgium and one in Stockholm * One person is also feared dead in Finland after a man went on a rampage in southwestern city of Turku today * A total of 364 people are confi... more »
Barcelona Terror Van Attack Driver Still at Large
*Reuters:* *Spain hunts for driver in van rampage, says Islamist cell dismantled* RIPOLL/BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Police were searching on Saturday for the driver of a van that killed 13 people when it plowed into a crowd in Barcelona and were trying to determine whether two other suspected Islamist militants linked to the attack had died or were at large. The Spanish government said it considered it had dismantled the cell behind Thursday's Barcelona rampage and an attack early on Friday in the Catalan seaside town of Cambrils. Police arrested four people in connection with ... more »
First Terror Attack In Finland
Reuters: Moroccan asylum seeker 'targeted women' in Finland knife attack HELSINKI/TURKU, Finland (Reuters) - A Moroccan man who was arrested for killing two women in a knife rampage was an asylum seeker who appeared to have targeted women in Finland's first terrorism-related attack, police and a Red Cross official said on Saturday. The 18-year-old suspect, arrested in the city of Turku following Friday's attack in which eight other people - six of them women - were wounded, arrived in Finland last year, police said. Police shot the suspect in the leg before his arrest. Police als... more »
Is There Anything Trump Won't Lie About? Trump Winery Is Not The Biggest Winery And He Doesn't Own It Anyway
The Bird is a restaurant in Northwest DC, in the Shaw neighborhood a nd, according to the *Washingtonian*'s Jessica Sidman, they were so excited a couple weeks ago when Señor Trumpanzee fired The Mooch that the began a new policy: offering discounted drinks whenever Trumpanzee offs one of his co-conspirators-- happy hour cocktails, beers, and wines for $4. Same deal yesterday when Trumpanzee kicked out notorious meth manufacturer and neo-Nazi Steve Bannon. What about the Trump Winery in Charlottesville? Wondering if they offer discounted wine when the owner offs a Nazi? They don't... more »
Plasma Forces At The Earth’s Surface, Folds & Basins.
My attention was pointed to the Carpathian Mountains in Europe when Tim Cullen of the Malaga Bay blog site mentioned these mountains reminds him of a raised island chain. This is a logical first pass interpretation of the topography but it … Continue reading →
Tweets For Today
#UPDATE PM Abadi announces the start of a battle to retake Tal Afar, a key northern Iraqi bastion of the IS group https://t.co/CP0urpmAL1 — AFP news agency (@AFP) August 20, 2017 MAP: US/Russia deconfliction line in Syria. Violating forces will be struck - @CivilWarMap pic.twitter.com/C0zvJcPt9y — Conflict News (@Conflicts) August 19, 2017 Thousands take to streets in Boston protest against hate speech https://t.co/oVCNt1jlY5 pic.twitter.com/IsRPNQ1xJ1 — Reuters Top News (@Reuters) August 19, 2017 Nampo, world's most advanced minelayer today. pic.twitter.com/MbILEKcIsx — Naval An... more »
Musical Interlude: Liquid Mind, "Liquid Mind IV: Unity" (Full Album)
Liquid Mind, "Liquid Mind IV: Unity" (Full Album) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXYu7k-O4iw
"A Look to the Heavens"
“From cold, clear skies over Riverton, Manitoba, Canada, planet Earth, the solar corona surrounds the silhouette of the New Moon in this telescopic snapshot of the total solar eclipse of February 26, 1979. Thirty eight years ago, it was the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States. The narrow path of totality ran through the northwestern states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota before crossing into Canadian provinces Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. *Click image for larger size.* Following the upcoming *August 21, 2017 total... more »
The Poet: William Stafford, "Starting With Little Things"
*"Starting With Little Things" * "Love the earth like a mole, fur-near. Nearsighted, hold close the clods, their fine-print headlines. Pat them with soft hands- Like spades, but pink and loving; they break rock, nudge giants aside, affable plow. Fields are to touch; each day nuzzle your way. Tomorrow the world." - William Stafford
Picture Of The Day
Steve Bannon is the latest casualty of Trump's White House. Everyone in this photo besides President Trump and Vice President Pence has left. Business Insider/ Reuters *WNU Editor:* The above picture is from here .... *Brutal photo shows how much turnover there has been in Trump's top ranks* (Business Insider).
America Can't Afford to Lose the Artificial Intelligence War
*Michael O'Hanlon, Robert Karlen* *Security, North America* [image: Sophia, a robot integrating the latest technologies and artificial intelligence developed by Hanson Robotics is pictured during a presentation at the] The United States must rededicate itself to being the first in the field of AI. Today, the question of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in future warfare is becoming far more salient and dramatic than ever before. Rapid progress in driverless cars in the civilian economy has helped us all see what may become possible in the realm of conflict. All of a sudd... more »
Getting America and Russia Back to Normal
*Robert Legvold* *Politics, Europe* [image: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Commander of Western military district Andrei Kartapolov, President Vladimir Putin and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Vladimir Korolev arrive to attend the the Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg] Putin and his entourage, the Trump administration, and the U.S. Congress have a large choice to make. *Note: this article is part of a **symposium on U.S.-Russia relations** included in the September/October 2017 issue of the *National Interest*.* Trump and his people, and Putin and his, say the sa... more »
Forget North Korea: World War II Was Guam's Bloodiest Battle
*Michael Peck* *History, Asia* It was hell. Should North Korea launch ballistic missiles at Guam, it would be the first missile strike on U.S. territory. But for Guam, it will be just another chapter in that island's bloody history. In the fifteenth century, Spain claimed Guam. In 1898, the United States took it from Spain during the Spanish-American War. And in World War II, Guam would be fought over by Japan and the United States. On the morning of December 8, 1941 Guam time, just hours after the Pearl Harbor attack, Japanese aircraft struck the island. While the Japanese at... more »
Why Russia and China Still Fear the F-16 Fighting Falcon
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, * The answers are obvious. The F-16 Fighting Falcon bears an unusual distinctions: it is one of the only top jet fighters in the world to also be cost efficient. Fast and extremely agile, the light fighter does have some shortcomings in range and payload compared to larger twin-engine fighters like the F-15 Eagle, but that was easy to forgive due to costing less than half as much—around $18 million in 1999 ($27 million in 2017 dollars). This favorable bang-for-buck ratio has not been lost on air forces across the world—the F-16 currently remains the...more »
Here's How the U.S. Marine Corps Will Train Future Snipers
*Sarah Sicard, Task and Purpose* *Security, * The Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer III will be key. First-person shooter is one of the most popular perspectives among gamers, but these simulations can be used for much more than entertainment — specifically military training. And thanks to new the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer III, Marine Corps marksmen are about to take their sharpshooting skills to a whole new level. Though the Corps has been using virtual reality to train Marines for two decades, the systems for marksmanship have become exponentially better. With ... more »
Indirect Viewing of the Solar Eclipse: Make a Camera Obscura and More Ideas
From the Eclipse Kit – Many pages of activitied and info: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/NASA_Eclipse_Activity_Guide.pdf Another method: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2017/08/19/nasa-television-online-coverage-for-aug-21-solar-eclipse/
NASA Television-Online Coverage for Aug. 21 Solar Eclipse
“Aug. 11, 2017 MEDIA ADVISORY M17-092 NASA Announces Television Coverage for Aug. 21 Solar Eclipse On Monday, Aug. 21, all … Continue reading →
ECLIPSE 101: Safety Recommendations by NASA (Looking Directly at the Sun is Unsafe)
Note that below is their safety recommendations. Use at your own risk. The only 100% safe way is to stay … Continue reading →
Banned in Boston
I'm not going to lie to you. Boston is one of the most racist cities in the northeast. African American ball players have it written into their contracts that they *not* be traded to the Red Sox (the last team to integrate, in 1959, one year *after* the Boston Bruins). Both the North Ends (Italian) and Southie (Irish) are infamously racist and I defy you to take a stroll through downtown Roslindale and report back to me if you find even one African American. If you don't believe me, check out the Rants and Raves section on Boston Craigslist. It was in the early 70's, well ... more »
The Daily "Near You?"
Pune, Maharashtra, India. Thanks for stopping by!
Chet Raymo
*“Yet…”* by Chet Raymo "My suspicion is that the universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose." - J. B. S. Haldane “Legend has it that after reciting his official recantation, kneeling on the floor of the Holy Office in Rome before assembled officials of the Inquisition, Galileo whispered, "And yet it moves." To save his life, or at least to avoid some dank dungeon and perhaps torture, the old man had publicly denied that he ever believed or taught that the Earth orbits the Sun, rather than the other way around. The public recantation was real ...more »
"Maddest Of All..."
"When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be too practical is madness. To surrender dreams - this may be madness. To seek treasure where there is only trash. Too much sanity may be madness - and maddest of all: to see life as it is, and not as it should be!" - Miguel de Cervantes in "Man of La Mancha"
Free Download: Viktor Frankl, "Man's Search For Meaning"
*Excerpt: "Man's Search For Meaning"* by Viktor Frankl "An active life serves the purpose of giving man the opportunity to realize values in creative work, while a passive life of enjoyment affords him the opportunity to obtain fulfillment in experiencing beauty, art, or nature. But there is also purpose in that life which is almost barren of both creation and enjoyment and which admits of but one possibility of high moral behavior: namely, in man's attitude to his existence, an existence restricted by external forces. A creative life and a life of enjoyment are banned to him. But ...more »
Hezbollah, Syrian Army liberate more than 70km of territory near Lebanese border
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:10 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA), Hezbollah, and Lebanese Army have made significant progress in the Qalamoun region these past 48 hours, liberating more than 70km of territory along the Lebanese-Syrian border. Beginning on the Syrian side of the border, the Syrian Arab Army’s Republican Guard and Hezbollah kicked off the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
How "Both Sides" Forge U.S. Supremacy: The Nationalistic Hypocrisies of "Violence" and "Free Speech"
*-by Sam Husseini* Many have focused on President Donald Trump's statements on Charlottesville condemning the "violence" from "both sides." Which is understandable, since the killing of Heather Heyer and overwhelming violence came from white supremacists. But virtually no one has scrutinized the first half of his remarks: Trump criticizing the "violence" of others. How is it that Trump is designated to be in a position of judging the perpetrators of violence? The U.S. government is regularly bombing a number of countries. Just last week, Trump threatened North Korea with nuclear ... more »
Donald and Melania Trump are skipping the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony because apparently they are too politically toxic.
I hate you so much. You are the reason I am shunned by society.Courtesy of WaPo: *President Trump and first lady Melania Trump have elected not to attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors in December amid a political backlash among those who will be feted at the event. * *The first family will not participate “to allow the honorees to celebrate without any political distraction,” White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Saturday morning. * *The announcement comes as three of the five honorees — television producer Norman Lear, singer Lionel Richie and ... more »
Manhattan Town Hall event with Ray McGovern and William Binney
Stop WWIII Video of 4nPCBeMJpKQ LaRouchePAC Policy Committee member Diane Sare is joined by VIPS representatives Ray McGovern and Bill Binney to further explain the contents of their memo to the President exposing the dangerous fraud of Russia-gate. The presentations are then followed by a spirited discussion on how to defeat this attempted coup d'etat against the United States Presidency.
Everyone Is Wrong About North Korea
[image: undefined] Imagine a world where one country – country X – is bombing at least seven countries at any one time and is seeking to bomb an eighth, all the while threatening an adversarial ninth state – country Y – that they will bomb that country into oblivion, as well. Imagine that in this world, country X already bombed country Y back into the Stone Age several decades ago, which directly led to the current adversarial nature of the relationship between the two countries. Now imagine that country Y, which is currently bombing no one and is concerned mostly with well-founded... more »
Tweet from ‘Unite the Right’ Organizer’s Account Attacks Charlottesville Murder Victim
An 18 August 2017 tweet from Jason Kessler's Twitter account described slain counter-protester Heather Heyer as a "fat, disgusting Communist."
Answering Your Questions About the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse
The 21 August 2017 celestial event will be viewable to millions in North America, but taking the proper precautions is important.
Robert Mueller's Russian investigation is now focusing on Trump Jr..
Don't let them take me Dad, don't let them take me!Courtesy of Buzzfeed: *Federal prosecutors working for special counsel Robert Mueller are focusing keenly on the president’s son Donald Trump Jr. and are trying to determine his intent when he attended a controversial June 9, 2016, meeting with a Russian lawyer, according to a source familiar with the investigation. * *Trump Jr. has acknowledged that he was looking for negative information about Hillary Clinton when he, as well as Jared Kushner and then-campaign manager Paul Manafort, met with the lawyer. But he claimed he did no... more »
STATE DEPARTMENT: US NOT to remain in Syria after ISIS “defeat”
The Kurds and the Americans cannot both be telling the truth. More The post STATE DEPARTMENT: US NOT to remain in Syria after ISIS “defeat” appeared first on The Duran.
what i'm reading: maximum security book club
I have an abiding interest in prison librarianship, and try to learn about it wherever I can. Whenever the OLA Superconference features a session on prison libraries, I attend. I'm always pleased to see how popular and well attended these sessions are. Perhaps that should not surprise. In a sense, prison libraries epitomize librarian values -- the inherent value of reading, the power of self-education, the importance of finding the right reading material, the solace and companionship that reading can offer, the democratizing and liberating power of the library. And perhaps above al... more »
After Charlottesville the ACLU decides to stop representing hate groups that bring guns to protests.
Courtesy of The Hill: *The American Civil Liberties Union took a new stance on firearms Thursday, announcing a change in policy that it would not represent hate groups who demonstrate with firearms. * *ACLU executive director Anthony Romero told The Wall Street Journal that the group would have stricter screenings and take legal requests from white supremacist groups on a case-by-case basis. * *“The events of Charlottesville require any judge, any police chief and any legal group to look at the facts of any white-supremacy protests with a much finer comb,” Romero told the Journal... more »
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