11:29 pm MST
Leadership 2018 Links
The latest from the Saskatchewan NDP leadership campaign. - Devin Tasa reported on the Nipawin debate, while the Estevan Mercury covered Ryan Meili's visit. Adam Hunter reported on Trent Wotherspoon's mistaken province-wide television ad. And Alex MacPherson and D.C. Fraser's notebook continues to offer some coverage, including the latest on the candidates' fund-raising totals. - Phil Tank compared the candidates from both provincial leadership campaigns in their plans for the Meewasin Valley Authority. And the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation likewise took note of the candidates' ... more »
Campaign to restore child health: PANDAS, autism and vaccine injury
PANDAS and PANS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neurodegenerative Disease Associated with Strep and/or other pathogens) are autoimmune conditions caused by bacteria or viruses and result in symptoms that are mainly behavioral in nature. Parents report overnight changes in their children’s aggression, tic patterns, and skill levels. Many doctors do not recognize these conditions and often their children
Overweight 45-year old father reveals his secrets for transforming his “Dad Bod” in just 12 weeks
Is it ever too late for weight loss? When you’ve passed your thirties and forties, weight loss can seem unrealistic – and impossible. But the truth is that you can lose weight successfully at any age. Just ask 45-year-old Ben Jackson of Warrington, UK, who lost over 16 pounds in just 12 weeks! RELATED STORY: Exercises to
NYT: Now you can get a tattoo with someone else’s DNA
While I don’t personally have any tattoos I know many who do. And I understand the reason behind them to be personal and often times, driven by strong emotions of loss, love, happiness, etc. If you’ve got a tattoo or love someone who does, you’ll love this story. Four years ago, Patrick Duffy- who then
Are detox foot pads legit?
An NPR experiment on Kinoki foot pads tested to see if they’d drawn anything out of a reporter’s body. RELATED STORY: 9 delicious detox water recipes that will have you wanting to drink more! Reporter Sarah Varney and her husband bought some “detoxifying” Kinoki foot pads and wore them to bed. In the morning, they
Over 45 Chocolate brands contain toxic amounts of lead and cadmium (major “organic” store chain brands are included…)
Chocolate is hard to hate. While it is true that 10% of the population does not particularly like it, the rest love it so much that the average American eats 12 pounds of chocolate a year, and a European eats 15 pounds. Every single day, 1 billion people enjoy a chocolate treat – many not just for
BUSTED: US Olympic Committee covered up sexual abuse and child molestation of female gymnasts
USA Gymnastics and US Olympic Committee protected pedophile doctor for years. More The post BUSTED: US Olympic Committee covered up sexual abuse and child molestation of female gymnasts appeared first on The Duran.
What really happened in Security Council: China REJECTED oil embargo on North Korea
China to continue supplying North Korea with crude oil at previous levels; will continue cross border trade More The post What really happened in Security Council: China REJECTED oil embargo on North Korea appeared first on The Duran.
World News Briefs -- December 24, 2017
*ABC News Online*: *North Korea says new UN sanctions an act of war, promises to further develop 'nuclear deterrence'* The latest round of United Nations sanctions against North Korea are an act of war and tantamount to a complete economic blockade, the country's foreign ministry has said, threatening to punish those who supported the measure. The UN Security Council unanimously imposed new sanctions on North Korea on Friday for its recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, seeking to limit its access to refined petroleum products and crude oil and its earnings from ... more »
Responding to report on Bath corporate welfare meeting
Dear Mary Beth [Sullivan], As a former member of the Maine Legislature, I am disturbed to hear that two legislators [Rep. Jennifer DeChant and Sen. Eloise Vitelli] attempted to hold a private meeting in a public space for what is clearly public business, done in an effort to influence public opinion, on a clearly public issue, ie, the use of taxpayer money to subsidize a corporation. Legislators must strictly adhere to the Right to Know Laws in Maine. A meeting of legislators and members of the public at City Hall is a public meeting and is subject to all FOAA requirements. State... more »
This Day in Iraqi History - Dec 24
1938 Golden Square army colonels overthrew PM Jamil Midfai for trying to remove pan-Arab officers 1938 Coup backed by Nuri al-Said who became PM and Taha al-Hashimi who became Minister of Defense Rashid al-Gaylani became Chamberlain of Royal Office 1963 Arif govt promised to settle problems with foreign oil companies 1980 Iraq air forced bombed Iran’s main oil terminal at Kharg Island for 1st time 2002 Niger Premier said that his country did not try to sell uranium to Iraq 2002 UK Foreign Secretary Straw told Sec of State Powell a 2ndUN resolution was nee... more »
The Air Force Trains for War with Russia By Dogfighting against Russian Planes
*Dave Majumdar* *Security, * How you ask? *The jet stayed supersonic for much longer than expected. “We brought it back to min burner, but I’m cruising at 1.3 Mach,” Gallop said. The two-seat Flanker was clean and it was demilitarized–which means it weighed about 3000lbs less than the typical stock Su-27, but nonetheless, the jet was impressively fast especially at high altitude. Slowing the Flanker down after almost 25 minutes of supersonic flight also showed interesting results.* As the United States Air Force continues its struggle with fielding enough aggressor aircraft fo... more »
The Real Story Behind the Allies Many Failed Plans to Assassinate Adolf Hitler
*Warfare History Network* *Security, Europe* A history you may not know. Adolf Hitler believed in Vorsehung (providence). The German leader felt that if anything was going to happen to him, such as assassination, there was nothing he could do about it. He had been selected by fate to achieve something great; he would not die, either by accident or assassination, until he had fulfilled that God-given mission.Time and time again in the past, providence, not planning, had taken care of him. In 1933, for instance, just before he became master of the Third Reich, he was involved in ... more »
As Media Tries to Keep Russiagate Alive, Pentagon Admits to Aiding in Genocide of Children in Yemen
[image: genocide]While the media obsesses over Russiagate, it ignores the Pentagon's admission to aiding genocide in the Middle East with ground troops and airstrikes.
Cop Convicted of Making Child Porn Given $56K by Dept & Allowed to Retire
[image: retire]A police detective who pleaded guilty to creating and distributing child pornography was paid $56,000 by his department before he was allowed to retire.
Trump Says US ‘Foolishly Spent’ $7 Trillion in the Middle East As He Spends $2 Billion a Day on War
Trump criticized the US for spending trillions in the Middle East, days after signing a military budget that will cost taxpayers $2 billion a day in 2018.
Fmr Space-X Boss Launching Satellites to Put Decentralized Internet & Cryptocurrency In Space
[image: space-x]The former vice president of Space-X is working with Nexus to host decentralized internet and cryptocurrency platforms in space.
LSD vs Psilocybin Mushrooms
LSD and Psilocybin Mushrooms (also called ‘shrooms’ – primary ingredient is psilocybin) are the two most common psychedelics. Most psychedelic users have, at some point, tried both. I tried magic mushrooms first, consuming them in the basement of my fraternity … Continue reading →
If work dominated your every moment would life be worth living?
Workers Leaving the Factory Lithograph, 1903 by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. Image courtesy http://www.famsf.org Imagine that work had taken over the world. It would be the centre around which the rest of life turned. Then all else would come to be subservient to … Continue reading →
Why You Should Ditch Sugar In Favor of Honey
While honey and sugar share similar degrees of sweetness, the differences in the way our bodies respond to them are profound. Technically, honey and sugar (sucrose) both exist because they are food for their respective species. In the case of … Continue reading →
Public Health SCANDAL: Sugar Industry Hid Science Linking Sugar to Heart Disease – Blamed Saturated Fats and Cholesterol
Government Advice on Nutrition has Destroyed Countless Lives the Past Few Decades, Since the War on Fat Started in the 1970s Can We Trust Industry-Sponsored Scientific Studies and Government Agencies Approving such “Science”? It has been well documented in recent … Continue reading →
These Scientists Say Cosmic Ray Radiation Has an Effect on Climate Change
Cloud formation depends on a number of factors, including atmospheric temperature and the amount of water vapour in the air, but we might be able to add another influence to the mix: cosmic rays beaming down through space. New research suggests these … Continue reading →
Risky Virus Research Renewed
Gain-of-function genetic manipulation can enhance the transmissibility or lethality of viruses The federal government is lifting the 3-year-old ban on research that involves genetic manipulation of viruses in ways that could enhance their transmissibility or potential lethality, according to a … Continue reading →
Are Ubers the New Ambulance?
With expensive transportation often cited as a leading barrier to emergency care, ride sharing apps like Uber might be the key to connecting patients with quality healthcare when they need it, reported NPR. According to a study from the University of Kansas, … Continue reading →
Rapid Antibiotic Testing Comes of Age
In recent years, there has been an explosion of FDA-approved rapid diagnostic testing methodologies for infectious diseases. During an education session at the 2017 annual meeting of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, pharmacists discussed some of the excitement … Continue reading →
Photobiology: How Therapeutic Use of Full-Spectrum Light Can Improve Your Health
Photobiology is the scientific study of the interaction between light and living organisms, and specifically, the therapeutic use of light to improve health and treat disease. In the interview featured below, Dr. Alexander Wunsch, a physician, researcher and one of the … Continue reading →
How Sugar Harms Your Brain Health and Drives Alzheimer’s Epidemic
Alzheimer’s disease, a severe form of dementia, affects an estimated 5.2 million Americans, according to 2013 statistics.[1] One in nine seniors over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s, and the disease is now thought to be the third leading cause of … Continue reading →
Was a Vigilante Arrested for Killing 30 Pedophiles in Mass Murder Spree?
Reports that an arrested Nebraska man confessed to murdering more than 30 sex offenders in a 15-year vigilante killing spree are fake news.
Islamist rebels prepare for large offensive to capture strategic base in east Damascus
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:50 P.M.) – Last month, Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and their Islamist allies launched a big offensive to capture the strategic vehicle base in the Harasta suburb of east Damascus. The offensive got off to a strong start, with Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and their allies seizing the Syrian Army’s command post located near the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Saudi airstrikes kill 48 Yemeni civilians in 24 hours
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:40 P.M.) – At least 48 Yemeni civilians have been killed by the Saudi Coalition in the last 24 hours, the Saba News Agency reported. “A total of 48 civilians, including women and children, were killed and wounded in 51 airstrikes launched by US-backed Saudi-led aggression coalition using internationally banned weapons on several […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army ensures safety of ten families that fled US lines near Jordanian-Syrian border
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:15 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) ensured the safety of ten families that fled the Rukban Refugee Camp near the Jordanian-Syrian border this week. According to a military report, the ten families had fled the U.S. lines in southeast Homs and reached a Syrian Army checkpoint, where they were aided in […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Another Gazan protestor executed by Israeli gunmen
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (5:00 P.M)- Another protestor has died of their sustained bullet wounds today, in Gaza. The Gazan ministry of Health reported that 30 year old, Mohammed Sami Al- dahdouh, has died today of wounds sustained during a Friday demonstration at the Gaza-Israel border fence. Mohammed was taking part in one of many demonstrations – that […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Over 2,700 Turkish public, military servants fired over links to Gulen
The Turkish government has ordered the firing of 2,756 more public servants and military servicemen over alleged links to Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen’s movement referred to as the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) by Ankara and accused of being behind the failed coup attempt in July 2016. According to the decree published in the Turkish Official […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Houthis prepares for new year offensive against Saudi Arabia – video
BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:50 P.M.) – Houthi rebels from Arhab tribes gathered in Sana’a province to send their fighters to counter Saudi Arabia, on Friday, in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes. The video also shows a body of a person reportedly killed in one of such strike. Saudi-led coalition intervened in war-torn Yemen in March 2015 in […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Breaking: Syrian Army kicks off 3rd phase of Beit Jinn offensive
BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:30 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) kicked off the third phase of their Beit Jinn offensive, today, following the capture of all the hilltops and farms located north and south of Mughar Al-Mir. Using surface-to-surface missiles and ATGMs, the Syrian Army inflicted a powerful blow on the jihadist defenses this afternoon, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Untitled
From Jenna Orkin Voucher Schools Championed By Betsy DeVos Can Teach Whatever They Want. Turns Out They Teach Lies. How Facebook's Political Unit Enables the Dark Art of Digital Propaganda Facebook Ditches Its "Fake News Flag" After People Shared Flagged Articles Even More Vegas Massacre Victims Must Wait A Year For More Clues About Shooter's Motive House Republicans Secretly Gathering Evidence To Launch Case Against DOJ and FBI: Report Facebook Handing Over More Info To US Government: "This Is What Facebook Was Designed To Do" Bombshell Report Reveals Up To 30% Of Federal Inma... more »
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- December 24, 2016
*New China/Xinhuanet:* *A glimpse of China's newest weapons and equipment* This year marks the 90th birthday of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The PLA has armed its soldiers with world-class equipment and cutting-edge weaponry. At the end of the year, Xinhua will brief you on the latest development. *Read more* .... *Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- December 24, 2016* NATO official: Russian submarine activity highest 'since the cold war' -- The Hill Russia says 48,000 of its troops took part in Syria campaign -- Reuters Russia to shell out $46 bln on defense spendi... more »
U.S. Moves To Boost Homeland Missile Defense System
Groundbased Interceptor being emplaced at the Missile Defense Complex, Fort Greely, Alaska in July 2006. Image: US Army *L.A. Times*: *Trump administration moves to boost homeland missile defense system despite multiple flaws* Citing North Korea’s growing nuclear and ballistic missile threat, the Trump administration is moving to vastly expand the problem-plagued homeland missile defense system despite warnings that the planned upgrades may not succeed. Immediate plans call for building two $1-billion radar installations and adding 20 rocket interceptors to the 44 already deployed... more »
1350+ Peer-Reviewed Papers Supporting Skeptic Arguments Against ACC/AGW Alarmism
“A tour de force list of scientific papers…” – Robert M. Carter, Ph.D. Environmental Scientist “Wow, the list is pretty impressive …It’s Oreskes done right.” – Luboš Motl, Ph.D. Theoretical Physicist “I really appreciate your important effort in compiling the list.” – Willie Soon, Ph.D. Astrophysicist and Geoscientist “An excellent place to start to take … Continue reading "1350+ Peer-Reviewed Papers Supporting Skeptic Arguments Against ACC/AGW Alarmism"
Taking Names
Partying hearty in Pyongyang after the ballistic missile test of August 2016. Photo by Reuters via The Independent. Mean Girl Nikki Haley: "This vote will be remembered." True to threat, only the cool kids get to go to friendship party. BFFs like Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Togo invited, but sad face for 128 loser countries like UK, Germany, Japan! They were warned! pic.twitter.com/uk8XrDHQhq — Roland B. Hedley Jr. (@RealRBHJr) December 22, 2017 Yes, 128 United Nations delegations insisted on sticking with their decades-long foreign policy and voting their disapproval of Emperor Trump... more »
"Twelve Days Of Christmas"
*Click image for larger size.*
Stephen Seagal has "written" a book, and look just in time for Christmas.
Courtesy of the AV Club: *Apparently smarting after his interview with Piers Morgan was ridiculed far and wide for, among other things, obtusely arguing against NFL player protests and enthusiastically praising Vladimir Putin, lawman and blues guitarist Steven Seagal licked his wounds by writing a book, such that he could better explain his political ideas. It is written in the only language Seagal knows: that of a low-rent, straight-to-DVD action flick, its dual nature upheld by each side of the colon in its title The Way Of The Shadow Wolves: The Deep State And The Hijacking Of ... more »
And So This Is Christmas
And, John Lennon asked, what have you done? These days, we -- the collective we -- do little that is noble. Everywhere we look, Folly appears to be in the driver's seat. But, every year at Christmas, we are reminded of another kind of folly. It's not the folly of what we possess, but the folly of what we give. It's perhaps best expressed in O. Henry's short story, *The Gift of the Magi*. The final paragraph of that story is famous: The magi, as you know, were wise men—wonderfully wise men— who brought gifts to the newborn Christ-child. They were the first to give Christmas gifts.... more »
How the US swindled Russia
Due to a historic data-dump on December 10th, the biggest swindle that occurred in the 20th Century (or perhaps ever) is now proven as a historical fact. More The post How the US swindled Russia appeared first on The Duran.
A Look At What The Costs Of A Korean War Could Be
The DMZ from the North Korean side Credit:Flickr *John Feffer, The Wire*: *What the Costs of a War in North Korea Could Be* *A nuclear exchange between the US and North Korea would go off the charts in terms of lives lost, economies wrecked, environment destroyed*. Donald Trump is contemplating wars that would dwarf anything that his immediate predecessors ever considered. He has dropped the mother of all bombs in Afghanistan, and he’s considering the mother of all wars in the Middle East. He is abetting Saudi Arabia’s devastating war in Yemen. Many evangelicals are welcoming his a... more »
Child Molesting Cop Brought Teen To Jail, Forced Him to Masturbate as Fellow Cops Filmed It
[image: teen]A teen who was forced to masturbate in front of police officers while they recorded him, sued the officers for manufacturing child pornography.
14yo Charged with Child Porn for Giving Pictures of Herself to Her Boyfriend
[image: pictures]A 14-year-old girl who took pictures of herself and sent them to her boyfriend is now facing child pornography charges in Minnesota.
North Korea: UN Sanctions Are An "Act of War"
*Asia Times* *Security, Asia* The resolution seeks to ban nearly 90% of refined petroleum exports to the Pyongyang regime by imposing a stringent cap of 500,000 barrels a year. North Korea has declared that the latest United Nations sanctions imposed on the rogue state are an “act of war.” A foreign ministry statement said they were tantamount to an economic blockade, the official KCNA news agency reported. The move triggered an angry backlash on Sunday from Pyongyang, which threatened to punish countries that supported the measures. On Friday, the Security Council unanimously i... more »
Operation Bagration: The Shocking Story of How Russia Crushed Nazi Germany
*Robert Beckhusen* *History, * Some World War II history like no other. The Soviet army’s Operation Bagration offensive in June 1944 destroyed their greatest nemesis — Nazi Germany’s Army Group Center — and drove hundreds of thousands of Soviet troops and thousands of tanks from east of Minsk into the Third Reich itself. It was, arguably, the greatest disaster for Germany in World War II, ironically kicking off three years to the day after Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union, and resulting in more than 400,000 casualties inflicted on the Reich’s already badly-depleted armed ... more »
Sunday Morning Links
This and that for your Sunday reading. - Jessica Corbett charts the U.S.' unacceptable (and worsening) inequality. Robert Reich discusses how the Republicans' tax scam represents a triumph for oligarchy. And Ben Steverman notes that the bill passed this month is ripe for abuse - and already being exploited to the fullest by the U.S.' wealthiest individuals. - Meanwhile, Noah Smith notes that much of the U.S.' trade deficit on paper may be the result of tax avoidance - and that a scheme designed to reduce its appearance won't do anything to help the real economy. - Joan Rush argue... more »
Merry Christmas to All
*Merry Christmas to All* *Wherever you may be.* *Near or Far* *Matters not, to me.* *Seems so hard to achieve* * Despite my desire to make it a reality* *Therefore I must, at the very least* *To all that are here, there & everywhere...* *I've said it before, but It's worth repeating..* *From blogger peers, to readers that comment and you silent lurkers too.* *I thank each and everyone one of you for being here with me* *However, where ever, you are spending this holiday season, I wish you all the very best of time. Enjoy yourselves. Stay safe. * *Merry Christmas to you Al... more »
Russia Says U.S. Arms To Ukraine Will Escalate The War
A Ukrainian soldier firing a machine gun last week at his position on the front line of the government-held town of Avdiyivka, Ukraine. Credit Oleksandr Klymenko/Reuters *New York Times:* *Russia Says U.S.-Supplied Weapons to Ukraine Could Escalate Conflict* MOSCOW — The decision by the United States to supply weapons to Ukraine is dangerous as it will encourage Kiev to use force in eastern Ukraine, Russian officials said on Saturday. The statement came one day after the State Department said that the United States would provide Ukraine with “enhanced defensive capabilities” as K... more »
North Korea Declares New U.N. Sanctions An ‘Act Of War’
*Reuters:* *North Korea says new U.N. sanctions an act of war* BEIJING (Reuters) - The latest U.N. sanctions against North Korea are an act of war and tantamount to a complete economic blockade against the country, North Korea’s foreign ministry said on Sunday, threatening to punish those who supported the measure. The U.N. Security Council unanimously imposed new sanctions on North Korea on Friday for its recent intercontinental ballistic missile test, seeking to limit its access to refined petroleum products and crude oil and its earnings from workers abroad. The U.N. resoluti... more »
Rocking Out In South Texas-- Help Tom Wakely Beat The Conservatives Running To Be Governor Of Texas
*-by Tom Wakely,* Democratic candidate for Governor of Texas The filing deadline for the 2018 March Democratic primary has closed. We now know who all the Democratic candidates for Texas Governor are. The question that needs to be asked I will argue is this: do we want the Texas Democratic Party to move further to the right, return to the center or move to the left. But that question needs to be answered within the context of another question: how do we bring the 62% of registered voters not voting into the party because without them we don't win. The Democratic gubernatorial pri... more »
Global warming: Fake news from the start by Dr. Tim Ball and Tom Harris
*Senator Tim Wirth, scientist James Hansen and others manufactured the climate “crisis”* President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change because it is a bad deal for America. He could have made the decision simply because the science is false. However, most of the American and global public have been brainwashed into believing the science is correct (and supported by the faux 97% consensus), so they would not have believed that explanation. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and indeed the leaders of many western... more »
Ukraine loses gas dispute to Russia; ordered to pay $2 billion to Gazprom
Contrary to Ukrainian claims Stockholm Arbitration Court finds in Gazprom's favour in dispute about gas sales and prices More The post Ukraine loses gas dispute to Russia; ordered to pay $2 billion to Gazprom appeared first on The Duran.
North Korea responds to UN’s most severe sanctions yet
The DPRK has sounded off with the usual bellicose comments about the USA committing an act of war because of the new UN sanctions. However, the only thing that seems to be different this time is the increased strength of the sanctions. More The post North Korea responds to UN’s most severe sanctions yet appeared first on The Duran.
i hate christmas 2017: the return of a wmtc tradition and then some
Last year, I took a break from my annual "i hate christmas" post. I don't remember the circumstances, but it was probably related to getting ready for our trip to Egypt. We lost Tala a few days later, but for better or worse, we were ignorant of that until the day before. This year I revive the fine wmtc tradition and then some. I did a stupid thing and it caused me to remember just how much I hate Christmas, like a sharp slap in the face: I went to the mall. Yes, after all my years of not stepping foot in any store for any nonessential shopping during the holiday madness, I found m... more »
California man arrested for planning a terrorist attack on Christmas Day.
Courtesy of NBC News: *A California man was charged Friday with plotting to aid ISIS by traveling to Syria or staging an attack in San Francisco on Christmas Day, though court documents suggest he later got cold feet. * *Everitt Aaron Jameson, 26, of Modesto was arrested earlier in the day and charged with providing support to a terrorist organization. Law enforcement officials say the FBI began investigating him in September, after a tipster reported that Jameson was making pro-jihadi comments in a Facebook posting. * *Court documents said when undercover FBI informants and empl... more »
Rudolph the Red Nosed Radiation Bioindicator: Radioactive Cesium, Radioactive Carbon, Radioactive Water and More Lethal “Gifts” Left by the Nuclear Industry, Such As Plutonium
Originally posted on Mining Awareness + : Savannah River Nuclear Site Deer Hunt and on site Cesium testing. (Images: USDA, USPS, SRS, drawing…
As More People Flock To Niger’s Gold Mines: Economic Boon May Become A New Migration Risk (Along With Social And Environmental Risks)
From The Conversation: “As more people flock to Niger’s gold mines, economic boon may become a new migration risk Workers … Continue reading →
Untitled
*No posts today, maybe tomorrow* If you are looking for something congenial to read, you might find my list of short articles interesting. They cover a wide subject range. The subject index is here
Sunday morning music - Christmas Eve edition
I've posted some of the Christmas music of the St. Louis Jesuits in these pages before. It's among the more prayerful and contemplative contemporary music for the season, without the commercial and secular influences that mar the true meaning of Christmas. All these songs are from their album 'Gentle Night'. It was recorded in 1977, and recently re-released in a 40th anniversary edition. First, the beautifully contemplative 'Patience People' by John Foley. Next, the title track from the album, by Tim Manion. And finally, my favorite track, the very prayerful 'Come Weal... more »
This Plan for Interstellar Space Travel Is So Crazy It Just Might Work
This Plan for Interstellar Space Travel Is So Crazy It Just Might Work https://www.outerplaces.com/science/item/17273-interstellar-space-travel-breakthrough-strashot?utm_content=inf_256_4094_2&utm_source=tsefacebook&utm_medium=tsefb&utm_campaign=tse&tse_id=INF_33e1fe20e3f911e786aad3298b3272c2 Advertisements
Why highly intelligent people often do foolish things, according to psychology professor.
Why highly intelligent people often do foolish things, according to psychology professor – Hack Spirit https://hackspirit.com/highly-intelligent-people-often-foolish-things-according-psychology-professor/?utm_content=buffer843d8&utm_medium=share&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=msa
Mars absorbed water on its surface like a sponge.
Mars absorbed water on its surface like a sponge: study | world-news | Hindustan Times http://m.hindustantimes.com/world-news/mars-absorbed-water-on-its-surface-like-a-sponge-study/story-38ZpvgjLREmM6wBxH883hK.html
Is economics education failing?
Is economics education failing? | World Economic Forum https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/01/is-economics-education-failing?utm_content=buffer1e6ba&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
This philosopher has made me reassess everything I’ve been told about life.
This philosopher has made me reassess everything I’ve been told about life – Ideapod https://ideapod.com/philosopher-made-reassess-everything-ive-told-life/
Russian airstrikes increase pressure on jihadist forces in southern Idlib
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:25 A.M.) – The Russian Aerospace Forces continued their air campaign over the southern countryside of Idlib this morning, striking several areas under the control of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham. Russian jets flying out of the Hmaymim Airport in Jableh began the day by relentlessly bombing the town of Abu Dali in southern Idlib. […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Saudi Coalition bombs Yemeni civilians demonstrating for Jerusalem
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:50 A.M.) – The Saudi-led Coalition killed four civilians inside the Yemeni capital, yesterday, following a large number of air raids conducted above Sana’a. According to Yemen’s Saba News Agency, the Saudi Coalition airstrikes not only killed four civilians, but also wounded dozens of others, including many women and children. Saba News added […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
GOTTA GO
Got family to see, presents to wrap, airport delays to endure on the way. Thank you for reading me all year. While I'm away, the relief crew will be here, and I'm extremely grateful for everything they've done this year. See you on December 31. Merry? Happy? I'm going with Happy.
Assessment of Water Treatment for Radium Removal and NORM Formation, Estonia
Hill L, Suursoo S, Kiisk M, Jantsikene A, Nilb N, Munter R, Realo E, Koch R, Putk K, Leier M, Vaasma T, Isakar K. Long-term monitoring of water treatment technology designed for radium removal-removal efficiencies and NORM formation. J Radiol … Continue reading →
Family First
By Cathy Jameson Knowing how much work it takes to keep Ronan happy and safe, my sister's family is more than patient with us when we visit. They are more than generous, too. Before we arrive, they've stocked their shelves...
Fox News
Fox News almost destroyed journalism in this country. But journalists fought back. If it continues it may yet destroy our democracy. Will we have the courage to fight back?
What is TRANSHUMANISM? Dr. Ferrando (NYU)
This video is part of the mini-course in the Philosophy of “The Posthuman”, Lesson n. 2, by Dr. Francesca Ferrando (NYU)
Put the Dickens Back in Christmas!
I can think of no better homage to the man who “created” the modern celebration of the holiday than to read his delightful A Christmas Carol. The post Put the Dickens Back in Christmas! appeared first on OrientalReview.org.
Electric Universe - Thunderbolts of the Gods - Lightning Scarred Planet Earth
Electrical phenomena are totally scalable, from the activity of an electron around an atom's core (should such a machine exist) to the width of an electrical discharge pulsating through space birthing galaxies and stars. On Earth, erosion has been given too much credence when all you need is a decent electrical charge to hit the surace of the planet to form some quite spectacular geological features.
White House blasts New York Times report that Trump said Haitian immigrants “all have AIDS”
White House denies latest New York Times fake news. More The post White House blasts New York Times report that Trump said Haitian immigrants “all have AIDS” appeared first on The Duran.
Ethereum is positioned to be the next Facebook
Ethereum is the app store for blockchain. More The post Ethereum is positioned to be the next Facebook appeared first on The Duran.
Communist ANTIFA freak hit by truck at “March for Jesus” event in Portland (Video)
Article first appeared on RPT. An ANTIFA protester was hit by a pickup truck on Saturday while interrupting a ‘March for Jesus’ event organised by a group called ‘Patriot Prayer’ in Portland. The Duran recommends using WP Engine >> As ‘Patriot Prayer’ attendees held their peaceful march, and prayers, led by Trump supporter Joey Gibson, […] More The post Communist ANTIFA freak hit by truck at “March for Jesus” event in Portland (Video) appeared first on The Duran.
Merry Christmas 2017 (and a Sunday Sermonette)
It's Christmas Eve and I hope that all of you are surrounded by those you love, because that is the Spirit of Christmas. It's the gift that surpasses all others. As the Christ gave selflessly to us all, so do we give to others. That giving and good will are part of this Season makes the institution of Christmas even more profound. Those who disparage Christmas, and we hear it every single year, can live their lives selfish and alone. There is no joy in that. But there it is. While we sit safe and warm at home, there are others on the line, looking out for us in hospitals, in poli... more »
Is Air Power The U.S. Strategy To Bring The Afghan Taliban To The Peace Table?
US Vice President Mike Pence poses with military leaders shortly after arriving at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan on December 21, 2017 *24Matins*: *Trump looks to the sky to force Taliban to the table* The war in Afghanistan may be entering its 17th year, but screams of military jet engines in the twinkling skies above Bagram Airfield show no sign of quieting. This city-scale military base just north of Kabul has — like similar facilities in Kandahar and Jalalabad — become central to Donald Trump’s promise to succeed where his predecessors failed, and end the Afghan war on favora... more »
Stuffing
People can be very mean about the BBC. You hear them complain that it's end-to-end cookery programmes on the BBC most days. That's rubbish, of course. I'm just watching the end of *The Prince and Me* on BBC Two, and that's not a cookery programme. It's a romantic comedy. Plus I'm betting the BBC has a wonderful variety of programmes for me, even if I stick to this one BBC channel. OK. Let's click on the onscreen guide and see what's coming up. Oh, well yes, the next programme at 9.15 is *The Big Family Cooking Showdown*. Oh, and that's followed at 10.15 by *Saturday Kitchen Best B... more »
Japan Approves Record Defense Budget Amid North Korean And Chinese Fears
*The Guardian:* *Japan boosts defence budget to record levels with eye on North Korea* *Shinzo Abe’s plan includes missile systems to launch a pre-emptive strike, a move critics say violates the constitution* Japan’s government has approved a record defence budget, with money earmarked for costly missile defence systems and, controversially, weapons that could be used in pre-emptive strikes against North Korea. The 5.19tn yen ($46bn) budget, up 1.3% from last year, is the largest ever and marks the six straight annual rise in defence spending under Japan’s conservative prime mini... more »
Midnight Meme Of The Day!
*-by Noah* The tragedy of the Trump/Ryan Tax Scam of 2017 is not just in what it does says about our present and does to our future. It's also in how it soils our past.
Syrian Army tightens siege on jihadist pocket near Golan Heights: map
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:45 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) tightened the siege on the jihadist-held Beit Jinn pocket, Saturday, capturing several areas from the Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham terrorist group. Led by their elite 42nd Brigade of the 4th Mechanized Division, the Syrian Arab Army started off the day by capturing the Hankarat area after […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Lebanese Army arrests Syrian member of Nusra in Arsal
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:20 A.M.) – The Lebanese Army arrested a Syrian national in the ‘Arsal Municipality, Friday, after learning he was a member of the Jabhat Al-Nusra terrorist grou in the Qalamoun Mountains. According to a military communique, the Syrian militant was identified as Zaki S.; he fought with Jabhat Al-Nusra against the Syrian Army […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Complete battle map of Yemeni War
BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:55 A.M.) – The Yemeni War has been ongoing for nearly three years now and much of the country still remains embroiled in a civil war that has yet find a political solution. With the assassination of former president, ‘Ali ‘Abdullah Saleh, in early December, the Yemeni war has entered a new stage […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Russian military completes partial withdrawal from Syria
BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:25 A.M.) – The Russian military officially completed their partial withdrawal from Syria on Monday, the Russian Minister of Defense, Sergei Shoigu, stated this week. “Your order to partially withdraw Russian troops from Syria has been completed,” Shoigu told Russian President Vladimir Putin this week. According to Shoigu, the Russian military officially withdrew […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Corruption ‘more dangerous than Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas or IS’ – Former Israeli DM
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:20 A.M.) – Around 600 protesters gathered at Zion Square in Jerusalem to protest alleged government corruption on Saturday, with former Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon among them. Protesters waved Israeli flags, and held signs reading, “We deserve clean politics” and “The rule of law is not a matter of Left and Right”, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Time to get them off our gravy train
Greg Walcher, President of the Natural Resources Group, lauds the recent decision by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to end two decades of the scurrilous "sue-and-settle" scam run by EPA for the benefit of environmentalist plaintiffs and the policies some EPA officials wanted but could not get regulatory authority to accomplish.
Secret U.K. Diplomatic Cable Claims That 10,000 Were Killed During China's 1989 Tiananmen Crackdown
Beijing residents gathering around the smoking remains of over 20 armoured personnel carriers burned by demonstrators during clashes with soldiers near Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE *BBC:* *Tiananmen Square protest death toll 'was 10,000'* The Chinese army crackdown on the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests killed at least 10,000 people, according to newly-released UK documents. The figure was given in a secret diplomatic cable from then British ambassador to China, Alan Donald. The original source was a friend of a member of China's State Council, the e... more »
Svensmarks, Enghoff, Shaviv publish a cosmoclimatological TOE in Nature
*Guest blog by Nir Shaviv, originally posted at his website* Shaviv is a prominent Israeli astrophysicist and climate skeptic (formulation by LM) who also participated at a Cambridge climate debate a month ago (report). Five days ago, Nature Communications published his paper written with 3 well-known Danish colleagues that argues that the processes allowing cosmic rays to create clouds have been understood microscopically, too. *Finally! The missing link between exploding stars, clouds and climate on Earth* *By Nir Shaviv and Henrik Svensmark* Our new results published today in ... more »
Tweets For Today
Fed up with waiting for assistance from the Iraqi authorities to materialise, traders at the ravaged Bab al-Saray market in Mosul's Old City are rebuilding their shattered businesses themselves pic.twitter.com/v1ytdvWZba — AFP news agency (@AFP) December 23, 2017 “At Fort Bragg, Mattis recommended the troops read T.R. Fehrenbach's "This Kind of War: A Study in Unpreparedness," first published in 1963, a decade after the Korean War ended” https://t.co/R2jhIGdd8X — Gayle Tzemach Lemmon (@gaylelemmon) December 23, 2017 US agrees to send lethal weapons to Ukraine, angering Russia ht... more »
Yesterday's SpaceX Rocket Launch In Southern California Attracted A Lot Of Attention
*Daily Mail:* *'The aliens are here': Arizona and California 911 centers are inundated with calls and celebrities go on a Twitter frenzy over 'spaceship-shaped light' in the sky - but it is just a Space X rocket* * Residents of Southern California and Arizona were startled just after dusk on Friday * A strange white light which later turned out to be a SpaceX rocket launch appeared in the sky * The streak of white light would create what turned out to be a fish-shaped pattern, prompting locals to speculate on social media as to what it was * Local television stations as well as ... more »
Picture Of The Day
*Loading a Round* A Marine loads a round into an M224 60 mm mortar system during a live-fire exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 19, 2017. The unit used the hand-held, direct-lay and direct-alignment methods to engage targets 1,500 meters away. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aaron Henson *WNU Editor:* The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... *Marines Master Mortar System Skills* (US Department of Defense).
DJT Year One
Washington Examiner: *List of 81 Major Trump Achievements, 11 Obama Legacy Items Repealed*
A Look At Current Israeli Military Capabilities
*South Front:* *Israeli Military Capabilities, Scenarios for the Third Lebanon War* *The Current State of Affairs* At present time, Israel’s top political leadership is in the state of outright hysteria regarding Lebanese Hezbollah. Senior Israeli officials have repeatedly claimed that Israel will not allow Hezbollah and Iran to concentrate its forces in border areas and to expand their influence in the region, particularly in Syria and Lebanon. The already difficult situation in southern Lebanon and Syria was further complicated by the series of events, which contributed to the ... more »
Best of 2017
John Nichols put together *The Nation*'s annual honor roll a couple of days ago. The video above, by Arcade Fire and Mavis Staples was the pick for Most Valuable Song, "I Give You Power." He wrote that "Protest music made a comeback in 2017. Fiona Apple wrote an anthem for the Women’s March ('We don’t want your tiny hands anywhere near our underpants…'). Bruce Springsteen and former Iron City Houserockers leader Joe Grushecky ripped the new president on 'That’s What Makes Us Great' ('I never put my faith in a con man and his crooks…'). Joey Bada$$ spoke truth to power with 'Land o... more »
California says the only safe way to talk on your cell phone is to text
This month, the California Department of Health released guidelines warning residents about the dangers associated with putting cell phones up to our heads. While the guidelines have been in the works since 2009, for some reason, the state didn’t want to release them. However, thanks to a lawsuit from Joel Moskowitz, a Berkeley professor and director of
Fats don’t clog your arteries after all, new research shows.
Fats don’t clog your arteries after all, new research shows | World Economic Forum https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/05/why-scientists-might-have-it-all-wrong-about-fat-clogging-our-arteries?utm_content=bufferebebd&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer Advertisements
The world’s most popular operating system? You might be surprised.
The world’s most popular operating system? You might be surprised | World Economic Forum https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/04/the-world-s-most-used-operating-system-you-might-be-surprised?utm_content=buffera49b8&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Manhattan Town Hall with Kesha Rogers
World Land-Bridge Space Video of AhEacSq9QaQ Kesha Rogers, Independent Candidate for the 9th CD of Texas, joins the Manhattan Project to discuss the urgent necessity to establish a national science driver program and the economic principles of LaRouche's Four Laws as policy, to save the US economy from the imminent blowout of the financial system.
The Top 10 U.S. Military Stories of 2017
The Pentagon, headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, taken from an airplane in January 2008. Wikipedia *Military.com*: *The Top 10 Military Stories of 2017* The U.S. military saw a number of newsworthy events during the past year, from the swearing in of a new president and commander-in-chief to deadly ship collisions in the Pacific that triggered a leadership reorganization of the Navy's 7th Fleet. The list below highlights 10 stories from 2017 determined by Military.com editors to have the most editorial significance. But we also want to hear from you: What sto... more »
Christmas Musical Interlude: "Charlie Brown Christmas Dance"
"Charlie Brown Christmas Dance" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrDO_45yOsQ
Christmas Musical Interlude: The Eastern Wind Symphony, “Greensleeves”
The Eastern Wind Symphony, “Greensleeves” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnM0G7jcXLk
Christmas Musical Interlude: John Lennon, "So This Is Christmas"
John Lennon, "So This Is Christmas" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClIv5FEHO3g
"A Look to the Heavens"
"The dark Horsehead Nebula and the glowing Orion Nebula are contrasting cosmic vistas. Adrift 1,500 light-years away in one of the night sky's most recognizable constellations, they appear in opposite corners of the above stunning mosaic. *Click image for larger size.* The familiar Horsehead nebula appears as a dark cloud, a small silhouette notched against the long red glow at the lower left. Alnitak is the easternmost star in Orion's belt and is seen as the brightest star to the left of the Horsehead. Below Alnitak is the Flame Nebula, with clouds of bright emission and dramatic ... more »
Chet Raymo, “Surrender To Facts”
*“Surrender To Facts”* by Chet Raymo “I'm currently reading two books. One I found in the house when I arrived, presumably left by a previous visitor: Cheryl Strayed's "Wild", a young woman's attempt to sort out her messed-up life and grief for her mother's death by hiking alone on the Pacific Crest Trail, many hundreds of miles along the ridges of California's Sierra Nevada and Oregon's Cascades mountains. The other, my friend Douglas Christie's "The Blue Sapphire of the Mind: Notes for a Contemplative Ecology", grounded in Doug's extensive knowledge of the Christian monastic trad... more »
US delegate to UN gets served by Russian Pranksters – video
The US ambassador to the United Nations has fallen victim to a phone prank perpetrated by a famous Russian duo, with whom she discussed the affairs of a fictional South China Sea island nation and the alleged harassment of the Ukrainian president by Kevin Spacey. Notorious Russian pranksters Vladimir Kuznetsov (Vovan) and Alexey Stolyarov (Lexus) […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Biggest rebel group in southern Syria rejects Sochi peace talks
BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:30 A.M.) – The largest rebel group in southern Syria issue a statement on Saturday rejecting the upcoming Sochi peace talks. In the statement, the Free Syrian Army’s Southern Front announced that they will not participate in the Sochi peace talks, adding that any rebel faction attending the conference will be considered an […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Jihadist war continues as ISIS storms Al-Qaeda’s positions in northeast Hama
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:55 A.M.) – The so-called Islamic State (ISIS) continued their offensive along the Hama-Idlib axis this weekend, targeting the defensive positions of the Al-Qaeda linked Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham rebel group at the large hilltop of Tal Zaghbaq. According to pro-opposition media, ISIS attacked Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s positions, tonight, at the southern slope of […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Largest Palestinian force in Syria heads to Hama for upcoming Idlib offensive
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:30 A.M.) – The most powerful Palestinian force in Syria, Liwaa Al-Quds, is heading to the northern countryside of Hama after a short deployment in the Deir Ezzor Governorate. According to Liwaa Al-Quds’ spokesperson, the Palestinian force is heading to northern Hama in order to meet up with the Syrian Arab Army troops […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Russian President Putin 'Sugar-Coats' The History Of The Soviet Secret Police
Russian President Vladimir Putin (C), Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (L) and Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov watch events to mark Victory Day in Sevastopol May 9, 2014. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov *Newsweek:* *Putin: Soviet Secret Police Famed for Torturing, Jailing and Killing Millions Was Filled With 'True Patriots'* Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared the infamous Soviet Cheka secret police “integral” to the country’s history and stated that those who served in the ranks of the Kremlin’s security forces were patriots. “This year we mar... more »
Agriculture Associated with Central US Cooling Trend, Crop Growth
“Human activity has caused a significant long-term cooling trend (-0.35°C between the 1940s and 2009) and higher rainfall totals via the mechanism of “agricultural intensification” – a photosynthesis-associated increase in the air’s water vapor or humidity levels due to an … Continue reading →
Venezuela Expels Diplomats From Brazil And Canada
Delcy Rodriguez, president of the National Constituent Assembly, talks to the media during a news conference in Caracas in August. (Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters) *BBC:* *Venezuela expels top Brazil and Canada diplomats* Venezuela has expelled the Brazilian ambassador to Caracas, Ruy Pereira, and Canadian charge d'affaires Craib Kowalik. The move was announced by the head of Venezuela's powerful Constituent Assembly, Delcy Rodriguez. Ms Rodriguez accused Canada of interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs and Brazil of violating the rule of law. Canada imposed sanctions on seni... more »
Model Failure…New Papers Show Climate Models Unreliable…At Times “Near-Zero Performance”!
A team led by Christopher O’Reilly has checked over how well the most common climate models have reproduced the winter temperatures of the northern hemisphere over the past 100 years. The scientists were astonished to find the prognosis performance for the middle of the 20th century was almost zero. That’s a bitter setback. The models appear … Continue reading "Model Failure…New Papers Show Climate Models Unreliable…At Times “Near-Zero Performance”!"
Climate Change Drivers
Summary Thermalization and the complete dominance of water vapor in reverse-thermalization explain why atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has no significant effect on climate. Reported average global temperature (AGT) since before 1900 is accurately (98% match with measured trend) explained by a combination of ocean cycles (41.7%), sunspot number anomaly time-integral (38.0%) and increased atmospheric water … Continue reading "Climate Change Drivers"
The Navy Wants a New Frigate That Kills Submarines and Saves Aircraft Carriers
*Kris Osborn* *Security, * But will it be better than the LCS? *Plans for the ship, as specified by the solicitation to industry for concept design ideas, align with elements of the previously released Request for Information; Navy visions for the new ship appear to exceed some of the capabilities initially envisioned for a ship which began the planning stages as merely a more “survivable” variant of the services’ Littoral Combat Ship. While that sensibility is by no means lost, many sought after characteristics for the Frigate, such and anti-submarine and surface warfare, clea... more »
Would Britain Build Its Very Own Littoral Combat Vessel?
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Europe* London may have a native design that could do the trick. The United Kingdom is struggling to inject life in the shrinking Royal Navy and keep its shipyards active through its National Shipbuilding Strategy. For example, the island nation now has a single operational aircraft carrier—but, so far, no British F-35 stealth fighters to fly from it—and may retire all three of its amphibious landing ships. The new carrier *Queen Elizabeth*—along with all kinds of other vessels—requires escort ships to ride point and protect them from enemy warplane... more »
Why 'The Last Jedi' Teaches Us That the Battleship Is Truly Dead
*Robert Farley* *Security, * An old debate headlines a blockbuster movie. The first twenty minutes of *Star Wars: The Last Jedi* might have warmed the heart of Billy Mitchell’s Force ghost. The opening scenes effectively replayed the American interwar debates between advocates of air and naval power, with fighters and bombers attacking huge capital ships. These debates revolved around two big questions that drove procurement and the development of doctrine: how effective are aircraft against capital ships, and what kind of aircraft are most effective? *The Scene* The opening mo... more »
Lockheed Martin Awarded $7 Billion Contract to Get F-22 Ready for War
*Dave Majumdar* *Security, * And considering the stealth jet will be in service until 2060, it will be the first of many. The United States Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a new “indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract” worth roughly $7 billion to sustain the F-22 Raptor through December 31, 2027. “This contract provides for comprehensive F-22 air vehicle sustainment,” reads a Defense Department contract award. “Work will be performed at five operational bases: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida... more »
Donald Trump Prepares to Escalate Confrontation with Russia over Ukraine
*Doug Bandow* *Security, Europe* Providing lethal weapons would almost certainly encourage the Ukrainians to press for even heavier arms and escalate the fighting, as well as discourage them from negotiating a settlement. Most Americans were told Donald Trump won the presidential election last year. But his policy toward Russia looks suspiciously like what a President Hillary Clinton would have pursued. Exhibit A is the apparent decision to arm Ukraine against Russia in the proxy conflict in the Donbass. This dunderheaded move will simply encourage Moscow to retaliate not only in... more »
Nazi Germany’s Super Jet Was Wooden and Designed to Be Flown by Teenagers
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Europe* A forgotten World War II saga. By the summer of 1944, the German Luftwaffe had a lot of problems. Huge Allied four-engine strategic bombers were pummeling Germany’s industrial base daily, escorted by long-range fighters that were frittering away the German flying arm’s elite cadres of combat pilots nurtured since the 1930s. While the bombing campaign failed to prevent German industrial output from increasing in 1944, due to increased mobilization and use of slave labor, attacks targeting petroleum production proved extremely effective. By the... more »
Che, Stalin, Mussolini and the Thinkers Who Loved Them
*Aram Bakshian Jr.* *Politics, Europe* [image: Image: Cubans march during the May Day parade on Revolution Square in Havana, May 1, 2007. Reuters/Claudia Daut] Why are intellectuals and thinkers, who normally face persecution and risk under dictatorial regimes, nonetheless attracted to tyrants and would-be liberators? Paul Hollander, *From Benito Mussolini to Hugo Chavez: Intellectuals and a Century of Political Hero Worship* (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2016), 325 pp., $29.99. WE LIVE in the age of self-proclaimed “public intellectuals,” although precisely what they ... more »
To Stop North Korea, Deterrence Will Beat War Every Time
*Doug Bandow* *Security, Asia* Washington shouldn’t blow up the peninsula after helping to keep the peace for more than sixty-four years. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has been roughly treated by the White House of late. Perhaps that explains his dismissal of the possibility of deterring North Korea, a military midget compared to Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Union and Mao Zedong’s China. When asked why it was not possible to contain the far weaker Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, he responded: “The difference is that with the past behavior of North Korea, it is clear to us th... more »
Programmed obsolescence for iPhone? Apple has an app for that! iOS update.
Forget planned obsolescence, the digital age means manufacturers can trigger killer apps like a remote switch for the hangman’s trap door. Just poke a hole in your customer’s canteen if you want to bring them back to your watering hole. Was Apple’s throttling of late model iPhones mentioned in the fine print which users approve […]
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment