Friday, January 19, 2018

19 January - Blogs I'm Following 1 of 2

11:30 pm MST

This Is What A Nuclear Missile Attack On Hawaii Would Look Like

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 26 minutes ago
A rendering of a 200 kt nuclear missile strike on Hawaii, courtesy of the Nukemap tool. Nukemap / Alex Wellerstein *Defense One:* *What A Nuclear Missile Attack On Hawaii Would Look Like* *A blast over Honolulu would be catastrophic. That doesn’t mean the government shouldn’t help the public prepare for one.* Minutes after the people of Hawaii received an emergency alert on their phones last week, they began calling loved ones to issue tearful goodbyes and putting their children in storm drains. This tells you that the government has a long way to go to better educate people about ... more »

Picture Of The Day

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 28 minutes ago
President Trump speaks during an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, April 27, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria *WNU Editor*: The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... *Trump's first year in office* (Reuters).

Let's make this the final word for the day.

Gryphen at The Immoral Minority - 35 minutes ago
Courtesy of CBS News: *A Senate attempt to move forward with a short-term spending bill vote failed Friday night, sending the government into a shutdown on the one-year anniversary of President Trump's inauguration.* Tomorrow's Trump tweets should be epic.

Why Climate Alarmism Is Mad

Alan Carlin at Carlin Economics and Science - 55 minutes ago
Climate change will occur whether humans try to influence it or not. None of the current alarmist proposals to affect climate change will have any measurable effect on temperatures. Greater efforts by the US or other developed nations to lower CO2 emissions will not result in lower world emissions relative to current levels since less […]

Will Russian President Putin Become A 'Lame Duck' After This Year's Presidential Election?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 hour ago
Mikhail Metzel / TASS *Konstantin Gaaze, Moscow Times*: *Between Night and Day: Who Will Control Putin's Fourth Term? (Op-ed)* *The nighttime rulers of the regime are quietly challenging Putin’s role.* Over the last year, Russia’s ruling regime has worked a day shift and a night shift. The public sees President Vladimir Putin by day, running the government and now running for reelection, meeting workers, launching rockets and receiving foreign dignitaries. At the same time, the country has had a glimpse of its “government by night” with the trial of former economic development mi... more »

The Physical

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 1 hour ago
*-by Helen Klein* It is rather surprising that “The Physical” is not getting more attention in the media. The lack of mention in the *New York Times* is particularly troubling and disappointing. Trump recently had his first annual physical by Dr. Ronny L. Jackson, Navy Rear Admiral. When I saw a brief clip of the doctor’s presentation of his findings on MSNBC, I was surprised and struck by his manner and wording, which seemed weird and veered off toward inappropriate and unprofessional. He was gushing with praise and positivity for Trump and he was rather loose with his words. T... more »

Mexico Is Buying Some of America's Most Powerful Weapons (But Why?)

Michael Peck at The National Interest - 1 hour ago
*Michael Peck* *Security, * How does this make sense? Mexico is on the verge of being a failed state, swept by violence from powerful drug cartels who have turned the nation's cities and villages into bloody battlegrounds. Something needs to be done. But how exactly does Mexico buying antiship and antiaircraft missiles help the situation? Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department approved a $98.4 million weapons sale to Mexico, including RGM-84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) systems designed to shoot down antiship missiles and Mark 54 a... more »

The Royal Navy's New Carriers Might Not Be 'Supercarriers' (But They Can Kill)

Ben Ho Wan Beng at The National Interest - 1 hour ago
*Ben Ho Wan Beng* *Security, Europe* Don't listen to the negative talk. 2017 was proclaimed to be the Year of the Royal Navy (RN) as it welcomed several new ships to the fleet. It was, however, an annus horribilis of sorts for the British naval service as it came under fire on a litany of issues such as manpower woes and the controversial Queen Elizabeth (QE) supercarrier project. The RN reached a milestone when HMS *Queen Elizabeth* began sea trials in June, and media outlets, both British and international, have been closely tracking the ship since then. Local media was liter... more »

China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Is Now Training for War

Zachary Keck at The National Interest - 1 hour ago
*Zachary Keck* *Security, Asia* As in combat drills. On January 11, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) released a statement revealing that the J-20 fighter had participated in its first combat exercise at an undisclosed location (some reports suggested it was in Inner Mongolia). According to the *Strait Times*, a Singaporean newspaper, the statement said that during nine days of drills, the J-20 faced off against its less advanced counterparts, the J-16 and J-10C. The PLAAF described the drills as realistic and said that the J-20 practiced beyond-visual-range aerial... more »

The USS Akron: America's Flying Aircraft Carrier

Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest - 1 hour ago
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, * Yes, this was a real thing. Nearly a hundred years ago the U.S. Navy asked a question: if airplanes can fly through the air, why couldn’t a vessel carrying them fly through the air as well? The result was the Akron-class airships, the only flying aircraft carriers put into service in any country. Although promising, a pair of accidents—prompted by the airship’s limitations—destroyed the flying carrier fleet and ended development of the entire concept. The Akron-class airships were designed and built in the late 1920s. The ships were designed, like c... more »

The Barrett M82 Sniper Rifle: The Gun Every Military Fears Most

Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest - 1 hour ago
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, * You don't want to mess with this. One weapon system not only revolutionized the field of military sniping but also created an entire new category of weapon systems. Using an existing large caliber bullet and adapting it to the precision rifle platform, the innovative Barrett M82 sniper rifle practically created the category of large caliber rifles that equip military snipers worldwide to this day. In 1982, Ronnie Barrett was a professional photographer taking photos of a military patrol boat on Tennessee’s Stones River. The patrol boat was armed wit... more »

Is Chavismo Dead?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 1 hour ago
President Nicolas Maduro together with Socialist Party Vice-President Diosdado Cabello (R) next to a portrait of Hugo Chávez. (Jorge Silva / Reuters) *José R. Cárdenas, Foreign Policy:* *In 2018, Chavismo’s Time May Finally Run Out* *U.S. policy toward Venezuela is changing — and so are political dynamics in Latin America.* Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s embattled regime ended a tumultuous 2017 by having to suppress renewed food riots resulting from the government’s failure to import sufficient supplies of pork leg, a traditional holiday staple. In one disturbance, a pregn... more »

Egypt’s Presidential Elections 2018 : Let the Hunger games start

noreply@blogger.com (Zeinobia) at Egyptian Chronicles - 2 hours ago
Officially the Egyptian Presidential Elections race has kicked off today and man what a season premiere it is !! Lots of things have been happening on many levels that I wanted to comment on my blog here but unfortunately my health did not give me an opportunity. I have been sick the past week fighting terrible influenza like hell and up till now I has not fully recovered but here I am , how can I miss that crazy presidential elections race. We were all wrong that we assume it is going to be a dull one-candidate show as us and the whole world thought and are still thinking bu... more »

Autopsy Reveals Tom Petty Died of Accidental Drug Overdose, Another Casualty of Big Pharma

WakingTimes at Waking Times - 2 hours ago
*Alex Pietrowski* - Another tragic casualty in big pharma's opioid crisis. The post Autopsy Reveals Tom Petty Died of Accidental Drug Overdose, Another Casualty of Big Pharma appeared first on Waking Times.

Russian Networks Pushing #ReleaseTheMemo Meme

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 2 hours ago
Twitter accounts linked to Russian influence operations are pushing a conservative meme related to the investigation of Russian election interference, researchers say.

Sushi Fanatic Pulls 5-Foot-Long Tapeworm Out of His Body

David Emery at Snopes.com - 2 hours ago
The attending physician confirmed that a patient walked into the emergency room with the giant parasite wrapped around a toilet paper tube.

The Macedonian Dispute

Vladislav B. SOTIROVIĆ at OrientalReview.org - 3 hours ago
It is quite remarkable that a dispute between the FYROM and Greece on Macedonia’s official state-name after 1991, which looks probably quite trivial on the first sight, can have so large political and other implications with unpredictable consequences in the future. The post The Macedonian Dispute appeared first on OrientalReview.org.

Lebanon’s Intelligence Accused of Using WhatsApp Phishing to Spy On Android Smartphones Worldwide

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 3 hours ago
Major General Abbas Ibrahim, head of Lebanon's Directorate of General Security (DGS), attends an urgent security meeting with leaders of government security agencies. (photo credit: REUTERS) *Reuters:* *Lebanese security agency turns smartphone into selfie spycam: researchers* FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Lebanon’s intelligence service may have turned the smartphones of thousands of targeted individuals into cyber-spying machines in one of the first known examples of large-scale state hacking of phones rather than computers, researchers say. Lebanon’s General Directorate of General Sec... more »

Lavrov: US is setting up ‘alternative governments’ across Syria

Brecht Jonkers at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 3 hours ago
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (12:30 AM) – Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov has accused the US of attempting to set up “alternative government bodies” in large parts of Syria. Lavrov said this during a UN press conference on Friday. “We have been receiving contradictory signals in this connection – a couple of days ago the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

The Trump Tax Plan Has Failed the Average American

Alan Taffel at The National Interest - 3 hours ago
*Alan Taffel* *Economics, Americas* [image: Image: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks after signing sweeping tax overhaul legislation into law in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. December 22, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst] Trump has objected to deals where, in his view, America gets played for a patsy. And yet we now have a tax law in which the government gives businesses everything they want, exacting nothing in return. Did the self-proclaimed “great dealmaker” make a great deal when it came to structuring tax reform? During the presidential campai... more »

How Donald Trump will Reverse Obama's Failed Foreign Policy Strategy

Mike Gonzalez at The National Interest - 4 hours ago
*Mike Gonzalez* *Security, Americas* [image: The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is seen underway in the Pacific Ocean Sept. 8, 2012. George Washington is the centerpiece of Carrier Strike Group Five, the only continuously forward deployed carrier strike group in the U.S. Navy. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Kelly, U.S. Navy/ Released) / U.S. Department of Defense Flickr] There are some hopeful signs that the Trump administration will pursue more traditional national-security goals and stop hammering conservative allies. President Obam... more »

Whistle-blower Efimova Applies For Asylum

miningawareness at Mining Awareness + - 4 hours ago
“Whistle-blower Efimova applies for asylum BY STELIOS ORPHANIDES ON JANUARY 18, 2018 Maria Efimova, the former Pilatus Bank employee and … Continue reading →

Pope Francis Demands End to Exploitation of Amazon

miningawareness at Mining Awareness + - 4 hours ago
“Pope Francis Demands End to Exploitation of Amazon Last Updated: January 19, 2018 3:03 PM, VOA News Pope Francis demanded … Continue reading →

Musical interlude

Greg Fingas at Accidental Deliberations - 4 hours ago
The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

Russian Spy Ship Heading Towards The U.S.

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 4 hours ago
*FOX News:* *Russian spy ship spotted off US coast a year ago returns to region* The Russian spy ship first spotted near American waters last year is making its way back in the direction of the U.S., Fox News confirmed on Thursday. The Victor Leonov is still in the Caribbean, according to officials, but heading north off the coast of Florida, home to a U.S. Navy base located in North Florida, east of Jacksonville. The ship could be off the Florida coast by Friday if the ship maintains present course and speed, according to officials. There is also a ballistic missile submarine ba... more »

WATCH: Redesigning Reality #013 – Beyond the Guru

WakingTimes at Waking Times - 4 hours ago
*Waking Times* - Looking at the breakthroughs in personal transformation. The post WATCH: Redesigning Reality #013 – Beyond the Guru appeared first on Waking Times.

"You Cannot Kill Me Here..."

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
"You cannot kill me here. Bring your soldiers, your death, your disease, your collapsed economy because it doesn't matter, I have nothing left to lose and you cannot kill me here. Bring the tears of orphans and the wails of a mother's loss, bring your Jesus on a cross, bring your hate and bitterness and long working hours, bring your empty wallets and love long since gone but you cannot kill me here. Bring your sneers, your snide remarks and friendships never felt, your letters never sent, your kisses never kissed, cigarettes smoked to the bone and cancer killing fears but you cann... more »

Musical Interlude: Vangelis, “Alpha”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
Vangelis, “Alpha” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jG--3elufo For reasons unknown this music always suggested the words "The March of Mankind." Why, not a clue... enjoy.

"Terrible Animals..."

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
“We're terrible animals. I think that the Earth's immune system is trying to get rid of us, as well it should.” - Kurt Vonnegut

Kahlil Gibran, "The Prophet - On Friendship"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
*"On Friendship"* by Kahlil Gibran "Your friend is your needs answered. He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving. And he is your board and your fireside. For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace. When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay." And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart; For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed. When you part from your friend, you grieve ... more »

The Poet: Wendell Berry, “The Contrariness of the Mad Farmer”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
*“The Contrariness of the Mad Farmer”* “I am done with apologies. If contrariness is my inheritance and destiny, so be it. If it is my mission to go in at exits and come out at entrances, so be it. I have planted by the stars in defiance of the experts, and tilled somewhat by incantation and by singing, and reaped, as I knew, by luck and Heaven's favor, in spite of the best advice. If I have been caught so often laughing at funerals, that was because I knew the dead were already slipping away, preparing a comeback, and can I help it? And if at weddings I have gritted and gnashed... more »

"I Don't Believe..."

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 4 hours ago
"I don't believe in 'original sin.' I don't believe in 'guilt.' I don't believe in villains or heroes - only right or wrong ways that individuals have taken, not by choice but by necessity or by certain still-uncomprehended influences in themselves, their circumstances, and their antecedents. This is so simple I'm ashamed to say it, but I'm sure it's true. In fact, I would bet my life on it! And that's why I don't understand why our propaganda machines are always trying to teach us, to persuade us, to hate and fear other people on the same little world that we live in." - Tennessee... more »

‘Work with Our Diplomats Or Deal with US Military’: Mattis Unveils New Defense Strategy

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 4 hours ago
RT Published on Jan 19, 2018 The US will counter any “threat to America’s democracy experiment” in the world, if necessary with military force, the Pentagon chief threatened. Jim Mattis said Russia and China are potential adversaries for the US. end

US Intelligence ‘Spy on Everybody,’ Could Well Have Wiretapped Trump – Ron Paul Talks FISA Memo

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 4 hours ago
RT Published on Jan 19, 2018 A growing number of US Republican congressmen are demanding the release of a top-secret intelligence document. They believe it reveals political bias at the highest levels of the FBI and the Justice department – in how they handled the investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. READ […]

“Explosive”, “Shocking” And “Alarming” FISA Memo Set To Rock DC, “End Mueller Investigation”

mosesman at Socio-Economics History Blog - 4 hours ago
“Explosive”, “Shocking” And “Alarming” FISA Memo Set To Rock DC, “End Mueller Investigation” by Tyler Durden, https://www.zerohedge.com/ All hell is breaking loose in Washington D.C. after a four-page memo detailing extensive FISA court abuse was made available to the entire House of Representatives Thursday. The contents of the memo are so explosive, says Journalist Sara Carter, that it could lead […]

Oscar Winner Dorothy Malone, Mom on ‘Peyton Place,’ Has Died

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 4 hours ago
Actress Dorothy Malone, who won hearts of 1960s television viewers as the long-suffering mother in the nighttime soap "Peyton Place," has died in her hometown of Dallas at age 93.

Middle Finger Symphony Theater

Diogenes Sarcastica™ at Diogenes' Middle Finger - 4 hours ago
* No Tuxedos Required * *Brought To You By BLUESJUNKY: Chair of Music - Middle Finger Symphony Music Director*

Trump lawyer says that his client is "very eager" to speak to Robert Mueller, but expresses concern it might be a "perjury trap."

Gryphen at The Immoral Minority - 5 hours ago
Courtesy of CBS News: *President Trump's attorney Ty Cobb says the president is "very eager" to speak to special counsel Robert Mueller for his Russia investigation. In an interview with CBS News' chief White House correspondent Major Garrett on this week's "The Takeout" podcast, Cobb said Mr. Trump wants to put the matter to rest, and he told Garrett there are "active discussions" about a special counsel interview, but no formal request has yet been made. * *It is Cobb's belief that the Mueller investigation will ultimately be immaterial to Mr. Trump and his presidency. Cobb sai... more »

Tonight's Movie Is 'The Bourne Identity' (1988)

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 5 hours ago
*WNU Editor:* Before Matt Damon started to do the new version of Jason Bourne, there was this older version released 30 years ago.

Autopsy: Tom Petty Died of Accidental Drug Overdose

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 5 hours ago
Petty's family says he suffered from emphysema, a fractured hip and knee problems that caused him pain, but he was still committed to touring.

Major Political Explosion In Chicago!

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 5 hours ago
Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) has a great voting record-- pretty much as good as it comes. ProgressivePunch rates her record a strong "A" and she's one of only 6 members of Congress this cycle with 100% scores (along with people like Barbara Lee, Jim McGovern and Jamie Raskin). When it comes to politics, though... she's on a different path, more often than not backing crappy DCCC/EMILY's List candidates who aren't nearly as good as she is on issues. One of the best grassroots activists in Illinois described her to me like this yesterday: "Schakowsky is a progressive on policy and establish... more »

US Flu Season Gets Worse, Has ‘Lot More Steam’ Than Expected

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 5 hours ago
This year’s U.S. flu season got off to an early start, and it’s been driven by a nasty type of flu that tends to put more people in the hospital and cause more deaths than other common flu bugs.

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 19, 2018

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 6 hours ago
Afghan National Army (ANA) prepare for an operation against insurgents in Khogyani district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan November 28, 2017. REUTERS/Parwiz *James Mackenzie, Hamid Shalizi, Reuters*: *Could Taliban finally return to Afghan peace talks? Obstacles abound* KABUL (Reuters) - Exploratory meetings in Pakistan between a high-level Taliban delegation and a representative of a prominent Afghan politician have fueled speculation of a revival of long-stalled talks on ending Afghanistan’s 16-year war that kills thousands each year. Similar hopes have repeatedly been dash... more »

Video of Arrest at Houston Walmart Goes Viral — Months Later

Bethania Palma at Snopes.com - 6 hours ago
One of two women who drew sympathy after she was seen handcuffed with her pants around her ankles disputes criminal charges.

Did Mark Zuckerberg Buy a $150 Million Yacht?

Arturo Garcia at Snopes.com - 6 hours ago
A Turkish web site published, then deleted, a quickly-debunked story about Facebook's chief executive officer.

Tabloid Held Porn Star’s 2011 Interview After Trump Threat

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 6 hours ago
A tabloid magazine held back from publishing an adult film star’s 2011 account of an alleged affair with Donald Trump after the future president’s personal lawyer threatened to sue.

Research Finds Male Infertility May be One of the Side Effects of Ibuprofen

Waking Times at Waking Times - 6 hours ago
*Anna Hunt* - Another infertility causing pharmaceutical exposed. The post Research Finds Male Infertility May be One of the Side Effects of Ibuprofen appeared first on Waking Times.

X22 Report, “The Economic Agenda To Bring The Economy Down Has Begun”

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 6 hours ago
X22 Report, “The Economic Agenda To Bring The Economy Down Has Begun” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_iABo6qLOw

Tabloid Held Porn Star’s 2011 Interview After Trump Threat

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 7 hours ago
A tabloid magazine held back from publishing an adult film star’s 2011 account of an alleged affair with Donald Trump after the future president’s personal lawyer threatened to sue.

"A Look to the Heavens"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 7 hours ago
“Large galaxies grow by eating small ones. Even our own galaxy practices galactic cannibalism, absorbing small galaxies that get too close and are captured by the Milky Way's gravity. In fact, the practice is common in the universe and illustrated by this striking pair of interacting galaxies from the banks of the southern constellation Eridanus (The River). * Click image for larger size.* Located over 50 million light years away, the large, distorted spiral NGC 1532 is seen locked in a gravitational struggle with dwarf galaxy NGC 1531, a struggle the smaller galaxy will eventually lo... more »

Chet Raymo, "The Great Silence"

noreply@blogger.com (Coyote Prime) at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 7 hours ago
*"The Great Silence"* by Chet Raymo "If there is one word that should not be uttered, it is the name of - no, I will not say it. Any name diminishes. In the face of whatever it is that is most mysterious, most holy, we are properly silent. It is appropriate, I think, to praise the creation, to make a joyful noise of thanksgiving for the sensate world. But praising the Creator is another thing altogether. When we make a big racket on His behalf we are more than likely addressing an idol in our own image. What was it that Pico Iyer said? "Silence is the tribute that we pay to holines... more »

World News Briefs -- January 19, 2018 (Eveing Edition)

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 7 hours ago
*Reuters:* *Turkey shells Syria's Afrin region, minister says operation has begun* SUGEDIGI, Turkey (Reuters) - Turkish artillery fired into Syria’s Afrin region on Friday in what Ankara said was the start of a military campaign against the Kurdish-controlled area. The cross-border bombardment took place after days of threats from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to crush the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia in Afrin in response to growing Kurdish strength across a wide stretch of north Syria. Direct military action against territory held by Kurdish militia would open a new front in ... more »

Texas creates jobs for nine years in a row

Content Multimedia - 7 hours ago
By Vance Ginn AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Workforce Commission released labor market data for Texas in December 2017. The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s director of the Center for Economic Prosperity and senior economist, Dr. Vance Ginn issued the following statement: “The Texas model continues to prove it’s not a miracle but rather a sustainable economic framework supporting prosperity as employers created more jobs for the ninth straight year,” said Dr. Ginn. “In 2017, net nonfarm jobs increased by 306,900 for a 2.5 percent annual growth rate. Texas employers have now created ... more »

TPPF: Federal Court order reverses Texas foster care reforms

Content Multimedia - 7 hours ago
By Brandon J. Logan “The Governor and the Legislature worked hard in the 85th legislative session to correct the deficiencies uncovered in the state’s foster care system, passing sweeping legislation that set Texas on the right path.

CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS LIKE SHUTDOWNS AND THEIR VOTERS HATE GOVERNMENT

Steve M. at No More Mister Nice Blog - 7 hours ago
Josh Marshall says that early polling suggesting that Republicans will be blamed if there's a shutdown is explained, among other things, by the fact that Republicans are identified with shutdowns: ... shutdowns are part of the Republican brand. They invented them as a policy and legislative cudgel. They’ve used them consistently under Democratic presidents. And because Republicans are generally inimical to the idea that government is a positive force in people’s lives and valorize dramatic and high stakes political gambits they have consistently embraced the concept and strategy of ... more »

Omarosa may have taped conversations inside the Trump White House and now fears being pulled into the Mueller investigation.

Gryphen at The Immoral Minority - 7 hours ago
Courtesy of the New York Daily News: *Manigault-Newman has met with Harvey Weinstein’s former attorney Lisa Bloom and former Bill Cosby lawyer Monique Pressley, among others.* *It is not immediately clear why the former “Apprentice” star is seeking legal help, but those with knowledge of her unceremonious removal from the White House say she is “very concerned” that trouble is on the horizon. * *The 43-year-old apparently believes she may become a fixture in Mueller’s investigation into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russia’s election meddling.* *“Everyone kn... more »

Wes Studi On His Cherokee Nation Childhood And How He Discovered Acting

White Wolf at White Wolf - 7 hours ago
He grew up in the Cherokee Nation in eastern Oklahoma, where Cherokees have lived since the Trail of Tears. Just over a century later, Studi was born in a valley called Nofire Hollow, where he also spent his childhood. The new film Hostiles tells the story of a U.S. Army captain in the Old West circa 1892. He's spent decades fighting Native Americans and seeing his friends killed, and he's ordered to commit an act of humanitarian relief. The bitter veteran, played by Christian Bale, is tasked with escorting an old Cheyenne chief, played by Wes Studi, back to his home valley to die. ... more »

NASA – 2017 was 2nd warmest year, NOAA says 3rd warmest, El Niño a major warming influence

Hifast at Climate Collections - 7 hours ago
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: From NASA Goddard: Earth’s global surface temperatures in 2017 ranked as the second warmest since 1880, according to an analysis by NASA. Continuing the planet’s long-term warming trend, globally averaged temperatures in 2017 were 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit (0.90 degrees Celsius) warmer than the 1951 to 1980 mean, according…

Oh noes! Increased carbon dioxide making more flowers in tropical forests

Hifast at Climate Collections - 7 hours ago
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: From FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY and the “but wait, all climate change must be bad!” department. Climate change linked to more flowery forests, FSU study shows TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — New research from a Florida State University scientist has revealed a surprising relationship between surging atmospheric carbon dioxide and flower…

‘Flaws in Applying Greenhouse Warming to Climate Variability’, a post-mortem paper by Dr. Bill Gray

Hifast at Climate Collections - 7 hours ago
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: Personal Note: Dr. Gray was in the process of writing up the results discussed below when he passed away in 2016. Before he died, he asked us to compile his figures and preliminary text into a paper to be posted online. We have attempted to maintain his writing style and…

Oceans Cool Off Previous 3 Years

Hifast at Climate Collections - 7 hours ago
Originally posted on Science Matters: The best context for understanding these three years comes from the world’s sea surface temperatures (SST), for several reasons: The ocean covers 71% of the globe and drives average temperatures; SSTs have a constant water content, (unlike air temperatures), so give a better reading of heat content variations; A major…

CERES Edition 4 and the Cloud Radiative Effect

Hifast at Climate Collections - 7 hours ago
Originally posted on Watts Up With That?: Guest Post by Willis Eschenbach One of the enduring questions in climate involves what is usually called “cloud feedback”. When the earth warms up a bit, the clouds change in response. The question is the direction of that response. Does the change in clouds amplify a warming, or…

Does Climate Change Create More Extreme Weather, Part 1?

Hifast at Climate Collections - 7 hours ago
Originally posted on Sierra Foothill Commentary: By Russ Steele Hydrogeologist Steve Baker gives the weekly Water Report on KVMR our local progressive radio station at 89.5 FM and on the internet at KVMR.org. He is claiming that anthropogenic climate change is causing “extreme weather”. I find that disturbing as California hydrologist Baker should be aware…

Warmest Year Evah (Except For The Others!)

Hifast at Climate Collections - 7 hours ago
Originally posted on NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT: By Paul Homewood ? The BBC gleefully reports on the annual “warmest year evah” circus. ? Manmade climate change is now dwarfing the influence of natural trends on the climate, scientists say. Last year was the second or third hottest year on record – after…

Feel Good Climatism

Hifast at Climate Collections - 7 hours ago
Originally posted on Science Matters: A recent post by Ace of Spades rang a chord. He was talking about partisan politics but I saw another example in the global warming/climate change issue. I was reminded of an email exchange with a relative after I pointed out that some scientists think we are on the brink…

A New Look at Putin

TNI Staff at The National Interest - 8 hours ago
*TNI Staff* *Politics, Europe* Stephen F. Cohen discusses Russia, Vladimir Putin and American foreign policy. In this video, Stephen F. Cohen discusses Russia, Vladimir Putin and American foreign policy. Cohen is a prominent historian who regularly comments on U.S.-Russia relations. His sweeping and forceful critiques, which are grounded in a close study of the Russian past, have often provoked discussion and debate both during the cold war and today. His biography *Bukharin and the Bolshevik Revo*lution, which suggested that the rise of Stalinism was not inevitable, has become ... more »

Trump to move US embassy to Jerusalem as early as next year

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
The Trump administration has chosen a location for the new US embassy in Jerusalem and is planning to make the move by the end of 2019. On Thursday, the New York Times reported that senior administration officials plan to retrofit the existing US consular building in Jerusalem into a temporary embassy instead of designing and […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Cross-border incident between India and Pakistan kills at least four

Brecht Jonkers at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (12:20 AM) – Cross-border conflict between India and Pakistan has continued for the third day in a row, reportedly resulting in casualties on both sides of the border on Friday, leaving at least four dead. The Pakistani military stated on Friday that Indian border forces initiated fire from their side of the frontier, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Kurdish forces claim 4 Turkish soldiers killed during Afrin attack

Leith Aboufadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:55 P.M.) – The Kurdish-led People’s Protection Units (YPG) claimed that their forces killed at least four Turkish soldiers in the Afrin Canton tonight. According to pro-YPG media, their forces reportedly killed the four Turkish soldiers during the latter’s infiltration attempt into the Bulbul District of Afrin. Meanwhile, pro-Turkish regime media have claimed […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

ISIS launches major offensive to break out of Deir Ezzor

Leith Aboufadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:45 P.M.) – The Islamic State (ISIS) launched a massive offensive in the Deir Ezzor Governorate, tonight, targeting several areas under the control of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). ISIS reportedly began the attack by storming the SDF-held towns in the eastern part of Deir Ezzor, including Gharanej and Al-Jahrah near the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Turkish border guard attacks Kurdish forces in northern Raqqa

Leith Aboufadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:35 P.M.) – The Turkish border guard and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) clashed at the Tal Abyad Crossing in northern Al-Raqqa tonight, pro-YPG activists reported. According to the reports from this front, the Turkish border guard fired several artillery shells towards the SDF’s positions in Tal Abyad. This attack by the Turkish […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Houthi forces destroy 9 Saudi military vehicles in 24 hours

Leith Aboufadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:25 P.M.) – The Houthi forces destroyed nine Saudi military vehicles in the Najran Region in the last 24 hours, Yemen’s Saba News Agency reported this evening. “The army and popular forces have launched ground attacks on Saudi soldiers and mercenaries’ gatherings, destroying nine military vehicles, firing ballistic missile on Najran Air Defense […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Breaking: Russia denies troop withdrawal from Afrin

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a press conference following a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York. During the press conference, Lavrov Commented on the situation in Syrian Afrin, denying that Russia had withdrawn troops from the city. Turkish news agency Anadolu previously reported that Russian military had been leaving Afrin. Turkey […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Egypt’s Sisi announces candidacy for next presidential election

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:25 P.M.) – The Egyptian President ‘Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi officially announced his candidacy for Egypt’s upcoming presidential election. “What was accomplished, although great, is not the extent of my ambitions for Egypt,” Sisi said in his announcement speech, as quoted by Mada Masr. “I never did and never will seek power,” he added. Sisi […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Turkish Army operation in Afrin to begin tonight or tomorrow: MoD

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:00 P.M.) – Turkish Defence Minister Nurettin Canikli stressed on Turkey’s commitment to carrying out the military operation in northern Syria, speaking in a televised interview from Ankara on Friday. Speaking of the impending operation in Afrin, Canikli said: “This operation will be carried out. Terror operations will be washed out from that […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Ten Syrians tragically freeze to death while attempting to flee to Lebanon

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:15 P.M.) – Ten Syrian nationals were found dead in eastern Lebanon, Friday, after their bodies were discovered by the Lebanese Civil Defense in the Al-Mansaa area. “They died of the cold. They included two children, six women and two men,” said Georges Abou Moussa, head of operations at the Lebanese Civil Defense, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Breaking: Turkish troops allegedly attempt to enter Afrin

Leith Aboufadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:45 P.M.) – The Turkish Army allegedly tried to enter the Afrin Canton in northwestern Aleppo tonight, pro-YPG activists reported on social. According to their claims, the Turkish Army and their allies attempted to enter the Bulbul District of Afrin after a short exchange of gunfire with the Kurdish-led YPG. The infiltration attempt […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Hezbollah blames Israel for car bombing against Hamas member in Lebanon

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 8 hours ago
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said Friday that Israel was behind a recent car bomb attack on one of the leaders of the Palestinian movement Hamas in the Lebanese city of Sidon. “Everything indicates that the enemy Israel is behind the plotting of the blast targeting one of Hamas’ leaders in Sidon. We hope that it […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Intensifying Diversity Means National Destruction

Selwyn Duke at rss - 8 hours ago
[image: intensifying-diversity-means-national-destruction] Our strength lies in our diversity! This has become a mantra, repeated so frequently that people reflexively believe it. But is it true? We perhaps should’ve had a national discussion about that long ago, because our immigration regime is designed to increase diversity.

Rand Paul Explains Why He Won't Vote to Extend Government Funding

Warren Mass at rss - 8 hours ago
[image: rand-paul-explains-why-he-wont-vote-to-extend-government-funding] The nation faces a government shutdown as of midnight, January 19, if senators don’t approve a budget bill, but Senator Paul is more concerned about the deficit than a shutdown.

California to Punish Businesses That Cooperate With Feds on Immigration

Steve Byas at rss - 8 hours ago
[image: california-to-punish-businesses-that-cooperate-with-feds-on-immigration] California is finally cracking down in the area of immigration — that is, they are cracking down on businesses who follow federal law to stop illegal immigration.

Venezuela’s Oil Production Collapsing Along With Its Economy

Bob Adelmann at rss - 8 hours ago
[image: venezuela-s-oil-production-collapsing-along-with-its-economy] When a socialist regime runs out of other people's money, Venezuela happens.

The Only N-Word Trumpers Won't Use

jurassicpork at Welcome Back to Gotham City - 8 hours ago
Come on, we all know what that word is. Starts with "N", ends with "I", has "AZ" in the middle. You see the bristling on social media, in the halls of Congress. Some genius even coined a term called "Godwin's Law" in order to immediately invalidate any argument where one side makes charges, however merited, of fascism. Remember that phrase, "however merited" because virtually every time Trump opens his pie hole, it's as if he's daring people to compare him to Hitler. I've written post after post about this, on his shameless modeling of everything he does to perhaps th... more »

US Defence Secretary James Mattis: U.S. National Security Focus No Longer On Terrorism But On China And Russia

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 8 hours ago
*BBC: **Mattis: US national security focus no longer terrorism* US Defence Secretary James Mattis has said competition between great powers, not terrorism, is now the main focus of America's national security. The US faced "growing threats from revisionist powers as different as China and Russia", he said, unveiling the national defence strategy. In an apparent reference to Russia, he warned against "threaten[ing] America's experiment in democracy". "If you challenge us, it will be your longest and worst day," he warned. America has been gripped by ongoing investigations into alle... more »

Human Trafficking is Off the Charts, so Texas State Attorney General Produced a Documentary to Alert the Public

WakingTimes at Waking Times - 8 hours ago
*Isaac Davis* - It's going to take all of us to stop this horrifying problem. The post Human Trafficking is Off the Charts, so Texas State Attorney General Produced a Documentary to Alert the Public appeared first on Waking Times.

Are Women Using Their Menstrual Blood as Face Masks?

Dan MacGuill at Snopes.com - 8 hours ago
A viral Facebook post is no more than a hoax that plays off the blood-like appearance of a popular skincare product.

Las Vegas Gunman Carefully Planned Attack; Motive Is Mystery

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 8 hours ago
The Las Vegas gunman meticulously planned how to carry out the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history, researching SWAT tactics, renting other hotel rooms overlooking outdoor concerts and investigating potential targets in at least four cities.

Did a Woman Wear This Revealing Dress to a Hollywood Event to Protest Sexual Harassment?

Dan Evon at Snopes.com - 8 hours ago
A photograph showing model Giulia Salemi in a revealing dress is real, but it has little to do with Hollywood or sexual harassment and were taken long before the start of the #MeToo movement.

Extending the New Silk Road to West Asia and Africa

adam at LaRouchePAC Feed - 9 hours ago
World Land-Bridge New International Economic Order American Credit System Glass-Steagall Stop WWIII Video of ZqVe-l5Qhh8 Hussein Askary and Jason Ross join LaRouchePAC's Matthew Ogden for a discussion the vision for an economic renaissance in West Asia and Africa contained in a groundbreaking Schiller Institute report, which will challenge everything you think you know about the region. Africa is now neither a "lost" nor a "hopeless" continent; and West Asia is not fated to suffer unceasing religious conflict. Rather, the combined region of Africa and West Asia stands to see the wo... more »

Climate Fund Smoke & Mirrors

Paul Homewood at NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT - 9 hours ago
By Paul Homewood Readers may recall this story from last month, about Britain’s largesse at the latest Paris climate summit: The UK will pledge a £140m fund to tackle the effects of climate change on poorer countries, at the One Planet Summit in Paris today. The announcement comes as the UK international trade […]

As Trump Gives Out Fake News Awards, WikiLeaks Reminds the World BOTH Parties Are Liars

Activist Post at Activist Post - 9 hours ago
By Rachel Blevins While the same media outlets that have been openly critical of President Trump became the topics of his “Fake News Awards,” the... more »

YouTube Just Moved to Crush the Little People, Will Only Monetize Large Accounts

Activist Post at Activist Post - 9 hours ago
By John Vibes YouTube alienated a large portion of its audience this week by demonetizing all of their smaller content creators. In an email sent... more »

Kentucky House Passes Bill to Put Limits on Drones, Help Thwart Federal Surveillance Program

Activist Post at Activist Post - 9 hours ago
By Michael Maharrey Yesterday, the Kentucky House unanimously passed a bill that would require police to get a warrant before engaging in drone surveillance in... more »

For Americans Buying Gold and Silver: Still a Big U.S. Pricing Advantage

Activist Post at Activist Post - 9 hours ago
By David Smith Two years ago in this space, I penned an essay discussing how Americans – and other countries that are “dollarized” – where... more »

Innocent Man Records Cops Stalking His House, Disabling His Cameras

Activist Post at Activist Post - 9 hours ago
By Matt Agorist Vero Beach, FL — Stalking is defined as a criminal activity consisting of the repeated following and harassing of another person. Stalking is... more »

Señor Trumpanzee's Shithole Shutdown

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 9 hours ago
*Congress will be seen as "a bunch of Washington bozos" if a shutdown occurs* -Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) Last night the House passed HR 195, the Federal Register Printing Savings Act, the name meant to obscure what it really is and make it hard for voters to find a record of who voted for and who opposed the latest Republican short term CR (continuing resolution). It funds the government through Feb. 16 without dealing with DACA *if* the Senate passes it and Trump signs it. It passed 230-197. 11 Republicans voted NO and 6 fake-Democrats voted YES. The 6 Democraps who broke ranks... more »

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis : Government Shutdown Will Affect Military Operations

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 9 hours ago
*Washington Examiner*: *Jim Mattis: Shutdown would have serious ramifications for US military* Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned Friday that even a partial government shutdown would severely impact the U.S. military’s maintenance, training, and intelligence operations. During a question and answer session Friday Mattis was asked if a shutdown would have “serious ramifications,” for the U.S. military. “Yes,” he replied and then rattled off several examples. “I will just tell you that our maintenance activity will probably pretty much shut down,” Mattis said. “We do a lot of int... more »

Review of "The Heart of the Constitution"

Gerard N. Magliocca at Balkinization - 9 hours ago
The Washington Post is running this review of my new book in its Sunday edition.

Global stats show cultural differences in anti-depressant consumption

Geoff Heath-Taylor at Blog Posts – Page Array – UnHerd - 9 hours ago
In his column this week, Giles Fraser blames capitalism for the depression epidemic that is causing such devastation to our society: “There never will be a chemical fix for the misery of a highly individualised society or a community that had lost any sort of connection with itself.” Yet antidepressant use remains on the rise. In 2011 the Organization for […] The post Global stats show cultural differences in anti-depressant consumption appeared first on UnHerd.

Did Sen. Tom Cotton Issue a ‘Cease and Desist’ Letter to a Constituent?

Arturo Garcia at Snopes.com - 9 hours ago
The Arkansas Republican's office says such letters are "only used under extreme circumstances."

QotD: 'The chief menace of dictatorship...'

Peter Cresswell at Not PC - 9 hours ago
*"In the democratic creed the State exists for the benefit of the individual. In the Fascist creed the individual exists for the benefit of the State.... **...."A fascist leader must find some outlet for the renunciation of individuality to which he has condemned his people... The chief menace of dictatorship (other than to the unfortunate victims of it) lies, as I should have realised, in this: that if a dictator makes a false step, his pride must be saved at any cost to the country; whereas if a Government makes a false step, public opinion can demand a new Government, which wi... more »

Media Smother Indictment in Clinton-Obama Uranium One Russia Deal

William F. Jasper at rss - 10 hours ago
[image: media-smother-indictment-in-clinton-obama-uranium-one-russia-deal] While obsessing over the Mueller “Russia collusion” probe and President Trump’s alleged s***hole remark, the establishment media are covering up the real Obama-Clinton treason involved in giving Putin control over American uranium.

Lavrov on Afrin: US Trying to Create Alternate Gov't On Swathes of Syrian Land

Penny at Penny for your thoughts - 10 hours ago
*Following up on:* Russian Forces Exit As Turkey Begins Afrin Operation? Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during a news conference at the United Nations in New York, U.S., January 19/2018 RT: The US is working to create alternative government systems on large parts of Syrian territory, which goes against its promises to respect the country’s territorial integrity, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said. Responding to a question posed by RT’s Caleb Maupin at Friday's briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, Lavrov commented on America's role in the crisis i... more »

Will The U.S. Government Shut Down?

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 10 hours ago
*Reuters:* *Clock running out as Senate tries to avert government shutdown* WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate raced to avert a government shutdown on Friday ahead of a midnight deadline with no agreement on funding in sight and both parties squabbling over who is to blame for the impasse. President Donald Trump postponed plans to leave Washington on Friday as a bill to fund the government through Feb. 16, approved on Thursday night by the House of Representatives, appeared on the verge of collapse in the Senate, where Democratic votes are needed to pass it. The Republican-co... more »

Stormy Daniels once revealed that during her affair with Trump she spanked him with a copy of Forbes magazine on the cover of which featured him with his family.

Gryphen at The Immoral Minority - 10 hours ago
Courtesy of Mother Jones: *In early 2009, Daniels announced that she was considering challenging Sen. David Vitter, the Louisiana Republican who two years earlier had been snared in a sex scandal. Vitter’s phone number was discovered in the records of the so-called D.C. Madam, who ran a prostitution ring in the nation’s capital. Vitter, who now is a lobbyist, was a prominent social conservative who opposed abortion and gay marriage. Daniels, who grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, told reporters she wanted to highlight his hypocrisy. She offered up a potential campaign slogan: “Stor... more »

Judge orders journal to identify peer reviewers: CrossFit lawyer

Andrew P. Han at Retraction Watch - 10 hours ago
A court is reportedly telling a journal to unmask a retracted paper’s peer reviewers, part of a defamation lawsuit involving the journal’s publisher and the CrossFit exercise brand. According to an attorney representing CrossFit, yesterday Judge Joel Wohlfeil of the San Diego Superior Court decided that the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) must turn […] The post Judge orders journal to identify peer reviewers: CrossFit lawyer appeared first on Retraction Watch.

Economy Beats Forecasters Again: Jobless Claims at 45-year Low

Bob Adelmann at rss - 11 hours ago
[image: economy-beats-forecasters-again-jobless-claims-at-45-year-low] Economists expected 250,000 new jobless claims to be filed during the week ending January 13, but claims fell to a 45-year low of 220,000. Any number below 300,000 in an economy as large as the United States’ reflects a healthy economy.

The Coming Avalanche of Repatriated Dollars

Bob Adelmann at rss - 11 hours ago
[image: the-coming-avalanche-of-repatriated-dollars] The impact of Apple’s repatriation of its overseas profit hoard of some $250 billion — which is expected to be massive — could be dwarfed if much of the about $2.5 trillion in profits that is still held overseas by American companies is repatriated as well.

BREAKING: Rational animal strikes again!

bob somerby at the daily howler - 11 hours ago
*FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018The things you read in the Times:* In hard copy, this morning's New York Times op-ed page features a column, live and direct from London, written by Michael Goldfarb, a 67-year-old NPR alumnus. There's *no* distinction so basic and obvious that New York Times editors are able to recognize it. Here's how Goldfarb starts: GOLDFARB (1/19/18): *Well, it’s official. He isn’t crazy.* “I’ve found no reason whatsoever to think the president has any issues whatsoever with his thought processes,” Dr. Ronny L. Jackson, the rear admiral who conducted President Trump’s... more »

U.S. Oil Output Expected To Surpass Saudi Arabia This Year And Matching Russia For Top Spot (Update)

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 11 hours ago
An offshore oil platform is seen in Huntington Beach, Calif. The International Energy Agency said in its monthly report that it expects U.S. oil production to overtake Saudi Arabia’s in 2018. Photo: lucy nicholson/Reuters *Wall Street Journal*: *U.S. Oil Output Expected to Surpass Saudi Arabia, Rivaling Russia for Top Spot* *IEA in its monthly report says U.S. output will likely top an all-time high* LONDON—Surging U.S. crude oil production this year is expected to surpass output in Saudi Arabia and rival that of Russia, the world’s two largest oil producers, the International E...more »

THOSE TRUMP SUPERFANS IN DINERS AREN'T EVEN 20% OF AMERICA

Steve M. at No More Mister Nice Blog - 11 hours ago
Here's another bad poll for the president, this one from the *L.A. Times*: As the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration approaches on Saturday, the president’s support has eroded, his opposition has gained energy and his party faces bleak prospects for the midterm elections in November, according to a new USC-Dornsife/Los Angeles Times nationwide poll. Just under one-third of those polled, 32%, approved of Trump’s job performance, compared with 55% who disapproved and 12% who were neutral.... Moreover, opposition to him has intensified — 42% in the poll said they disapproved strongly ... more »

7 Strategies for a Radioactive Wasteland

Majia's Blog at Majia's Blog - 11 hours ago
One of the commentators at this blog observed that there is a concerted effort underway to turn the world into a radioactive wasteland, if we've not already achieved that outcome. I agree and have outlined here the 7-point strategy aimed at this outcome: 1. Strategy One is to reinvigorate uranium mining: Uranium Miners Pushed Hard for a Comeback. They Got their Wish. (2018, January 13). The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/13/climate/trump-uranium-bears-ears.html But now, emboldened by the Trump administration's embrace of corporate interests, the uranium mining ind... more »

Did Marine Corps Leaders Warn Marines to Stop Eating Tide Pods?

David Emery at Snopes.com - 11 hours ago
News of the nonexistent warning from the Marine Corps' top brass originated on a satirical blog.

The Supplementary Opposition

sue at Is the BBC biased? - 11 hours ago
Different version *"You’ve miscalculated on this one, haven’t you?* says Tim Willcox as he begins his hostile questioning of Tzipi Hotovely, aired on BBC World news last August. What was he talking about this time? you ask. Oh, just a little matter of the Palestinians going ape-shit over metal detectors being installed to obstruct would-be terrorists who need to take weapons inside the Temple Mount compound. “We found dozens of knives, slingshots, cudgels, spikes, inciting material, unexploded munitions, stun grenades, binoculars — but we haven’t yet found caches of live ammuni... more »

13-Year-Old Charged with Murder in Boy’s Crossbow Killing

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 11 hours ago
A 13-year-old Oklahoma boy accused of fatally shooting his 10-year-old friend with a crossbow in anger has been charged with first-degree murder.

Is ‘Bluetooth’ Technology Named After a Viking King?

Brooke Binkowski at Snopes.com - 11 hours ago
The name of the wireless technology standard apparently originated during a Toronto pub crawl one dark and stormy night.

Man Punches Self in Face to Avoid Sobriety Test

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 11 hours ago
Police in Maine have accused a man of punching himself in the face three times to avoid a sobriety test.

Yanis Varoufakis reveals he accused Greek PM Alexis Tsipras of being “totally stupid” in dealing with Greece’s creditors

Alex Christoforou at The Duran - 11 hours ago
"Are you totally stupid": Varoufakis blows up on Greek PM Tsipras More The post Yanis Varoufakis reveals he accused Greek PM Alexis Tsipras of being “totally stupid” in dealing with Greece’s creditors appeared first on The Duran.

Which stringy paper inspired Sheldon last night?

Luboš Motl at The Reference Frame - 11 hours ago
One week ago, Sheldon Cooper returned to string theory. Even Edward Measure knew that dark matter was a bad fit. While young Sheldon was finally bought a computer (while Missy got a plastic pony and their father bought some beer which almost destroyed his marriage), the old Sheldon took pictures of himself with his baby, some work in string theory. I wonder how many of you can isolate the paper(s) that contain the same (or similar) diagrams and equations as Sheldon's new work. ;-) Two screenshots are embedded in this blog post. Click at them to magnify them. A third one ... more »

BREAKING: Drum explains why GOP needs Dem votes!

bob somerby at the daily howler - 11 hours ago
*FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018Joins attack on Maddow:* Just exactly as we planned, the one-two punch prevailed. Yesterday, we had a nervous breakdown about one of Rachel Maddow's latest groaners. Wednesday night, she started her true crime entertainment program as shown below: MADDOW (1/17/18): It is now officially 51 hours until the federal government shuts down. *The Republican Party controls the House and the Senate and the White House, so it is a little hard to believe that they, amongst themselves, cannot come up with a way to keep the lights on,* but not for the first time in th... more »

Feel Good Climatism

Ron Clutz at Science Matters - 11 hours ago
A recent post by Ace of Spades rang a chord. He was talking about partisan politics but I saw another example in the global warming/climate change issue. I was reminded of an email exchange with a relative after I pointed out that some scientists think we are on the brink of global cooling. She replied: […]

President Donald J. Trump speaks to the March for Life from the Rose Garden...

Adrienne at Adrienne's Corner - 11 hours ago
*first time a sitting president has spoken by live-stream video directly to the March for Life that is routinely ignored by the MSM, while they champion vile women who march to kill their babies. * *It's not "choice" - it's pro-death.*

Depopulation test run? 75% of children who received vaccines in Mexican town now dead or hospitalized.

zedie at Someone Somewhere - 12 hours ago
Depopulation test run? 75% of children who received vaccines in Mexican town now dead or hospitalized – NaturalNews.com https://www.naturalnews.com/049669_vaccine_injury_depopulation_agenda_deadly_side_effects.html Advertisements

A nanoparticle inhalant for treating heart disease

zedie at Someone Somewhere - 12 hours ago
Medical Xpress: A nanoparticle inhalant for treating heart disease https://m.medicalxpress.com/news/2018-01-nanoparticle-inhalant-heart-disease.html

The aftermath of explosive neutron star merger is more crazy than scientists thought

zedie at Someone Somewhere - 12 hours ago
The aftermath of explosive neutron star merger is more crazy than scientists thought http://www.sciencealert.com/neutron-star-collision-gamma-ray-burst-aftershock-getting-brighter

Cancer scientists hail breakthrough with ‘game-changing’ universal blood test for spotting gene mutations

zedie at Someone Somewhere - 12 hours ago
Cancer scientists hail breakthrough with ‘game-changing’ universal blood test for spotting gene mutations http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/cancer-universal-blood-test-breakthrough-gene-mutations-cancerseek-john-hopkins-research-science-a8167196.html?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook

Somatic Activating KRAS Mutations in Arteriovenous Malformations of the Brain

zedie at Someone Somewhere - 12 hours ago
Background Sporadic arteriovenous malformations of the brain, which are morphologically abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain vasculature, are a leading cause of hemorrhagic stroke in young adults and children. The genetic cause of this rare focal disorder … Continue reading →

Dairy Industry Filing to Hide Aspartame in New Definition of ‘Milk’

zedie at Someone Somewhere - 12 hours ago
Milk has always been something we’ve bestowed our blind faith in. And whenever we pick up a carton from the grocery store, we almost always assume we’re getting the wholesome goodness that has been promised to us by the label. … Continue reading →

USDA ‘Organic-Washing’: Another Way To Mislead The U.S. Consumer?

zedie at Someone Somewhere - 12 hours ago
USDA organic certification affords the U.S. consumer one of the only food quality protections available today, but does it really guarantee a product is chemical free? What’s a consumer to do today? Between cause- and patently false-marketing, looking beneath the … Continue reading →

The Hidden Biopesticide on Your Produce

zedie at Someone Somewhere - 12 hours ago
Few would argue that consuming ample quantities of fruits and vegetables in the diet is a good idea, right? Fresh produce may be the only food on the planet that all diet gurus agree on, but did you know that … Continue reading →

U.S. GOP Lawmakers Want 'Alarming' Memo On FISA Abuses Be Made Public

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 12 hours ago
*FOX News:* *GOP lawmakers demand that 'alarming' memo on FISA abuses be made public* A four-page memo circulating in Congress that reveals alleged United States government surveillance abuses is being described by lawmakers as “shocking,” “troubling” and “alarming,” with one congressman likening the details to KGB activity in Russia. Speaking with Fox News, the lawmakers said they could not yet discuss the contents of the memo they reviewed on Thursday after it was released to members by the House Intelligence Committee. But they say the memo should be immediately made public. ... more »

India's Aircraft Carriers Might Just Be the Ultimate Paper Tiger

Robert Beckhusen at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Robert Beckhusen* *Security, * To directly threaten Pakistan, the small-deck carriers will have to maneuver nearer to shore — and thereby closer to “anti-access / area denial” weapons which could sink them. The Indian Navy has put out a proposal for its third aircraft carrier, tentatively titled the Vishal due to enter service in the latter 2020s. The 65,000-ton Vishal will be significantly larger than India’s sole current carrier, the Vikramaditya known formerly as the ex-Soviet Admiral Gorshkov, and the incoming second one, the domestically-built Vikrantwhich is expected to e... more »

Warmest Year Evah (Except For The Others!)

Paul Homewood at NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT - 12 hours ago
By Paul Homewood The BBC gleefully reports on the annual “warmest year evah” circus. Manmade climate change is now dwarfing the influence of natural trends on the climate, scientists say. Last year was the second or third hottest year on record – after 2016 and on a par with 2015, the data shows. […]

WATCH: Cop Turns Body Cam Away as Fellow Cop Starts Beating Handcuffed Man’s Face

Rachel Blevins at The Free Thought Project - 12 hours ago
[image: handcuffed]A police officer was caught intentionally turning his Body Camera so that it would not capture the scene as he colleague used excessive force on a handcuffed man.

WATCH: Congressman Says He Has ‘Credible Evidence’ ‘Terrorists’ Involved in Vegas Massacre

Matt Agorist at The Free Thought Project - 12 hours ago
[image: isis]A GOP lawmaker has come forward to note that he has "credible evidence" the US southern border was infiltrated in relation to the Vegas Massacre.

WikiLeaks Offers $1 Million Reward for ‘Explosive’ FISA Memo That Will ‘Put People in Jail’

The Free Thought Project at The Free Thought Project - 12 hours ago
[image: #ReleaseTheMemo]#ReleaseTheMemo: Lawmakers who've seen the classified FISA memo are calling for its immediate release, while calling "explosive," "shocking," "troubling," and "alarming"

20 years since America's shock over Clinton-Lewinsky affair, public discussions on sexual harassment are changing

Juliet Williams, Professor of Gender Studies, University of California, Los Angeles at Politics + Society – The Conversation - 12 hours ago
While sexual harassment is still all too common, at least we’re having more open conversations about it, and victims are speaking up on their own terms.

Iran opposes US presence in Syria: official

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
Chairman of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations Kamal Kharrazi stressed Iran’s opposition to the US troops’ presence in Syria, praising Syria’s reconciliatory efforts. On a visit to Syria, Kharrazi stressed that the presence of the United States on the territory of Syria does not contribute to peace in the country, and the Islamic Republic […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Breaking: Fierce clashes breakout between Turkish-backed troops, Kurdish forces in Al-Bab

Leith Fadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:05 P.M.) – Minutes ago, fierce clashes broke-out between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed Euphrates Shield in the Al-Bab Plateau region of northeast Aleppo. According to pro-SDF activists, the Euphrates Shield forces attacked their positions near the town of Hazwan this evening. In response to the Euphrates Shield attack, the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Despite political disagreements, Syrian gov’t to allow Kurdish YPG to reinforce Afrin from their territory

Leith Fadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:45 P.M.) – Despite the political disagreements between the Syrian government and Kurdish PYD, the former will continue to allow YPG units to reinforce the Afrin Canton from within their territory in Aleppo. According to a military source in Damascus, the Kurdish YPG have been allowed to consistently reinforce the Afrin Canton from […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Hezbollah leader slams US claims of drug trafficking

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:25 P.M.) – Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah unequivocally rejected the US’ allegations about his organization’s rumored drug trade, saying such accusations are merely groundless. Sayyed Nasrallah’s words on Friday came in a televised address at a memorial ceremony to commemorate Quneitra’s martyrs and the 40th anniversary of the death of Fayez […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

US military stationed 1,000 YPG fighters at Turkish- Syrian border: Turkish state media

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
The US military reportedly deployed about 1,000 fighters loyal to the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) in the Syrian Tel-Abyad area on the Syrian-Turkish border. According to Anadolu Agency, the US military carried out reconnaissance operations in the Syrian Tel-Abyad area on the Syrian-Turkish border prior to deployment. Previously, the US-led coalition reportedly announced that […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

In pictures: Massive dust storm hits northeast Syria

Leith Fadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:10 P.M.) – The weather conditions in Syria have been relatively poor these last few days, with heavy wind causing severe problems for millions of people. Among the provinces most affected by the heavy wind is the Al-Hasakah Governorate, which is reporting a heavy dust storm at the moment. According to local sources, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

French prison inmate reportedly shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ attacks guards (video)

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:10 P.M.) – According to reports, at least two prison guards were injured by an inmate in Borgo Prison on the island of Corsica on Friday, with attacker reportedly shouting ‘Allah Akbar.’ Both of the injured have been hospitalised but have not sustained life-threatening wounds. There are no reports regarding the type of […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

HTS busts Jaysh Al-Islam sleeper cell in East Ghouta region

Leith Fadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:55 P.M.) – The Islamist rebels once again clashed inside the East Ghouta region after Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham launched a surprise attack on Jaysh Al-Islam’s positions. According to opposition media, Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham uncovered a Jaysh Al-Islam sleeper cell within the territory they control in the East Ghouta, prompting them to attack the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Iranian Deputy FM visits Moscow ahead of Syrian peace talks

Leith Fadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:30 P.M.) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Ansari to discuss the Syrian peace process in Moscow on Friday. “It is very important for us to hold our final consultations on this [Syrian] issue with our Russian and Turkish partners. I’m sure these consultations will contribute […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Entire Republican Guard brigade heads to Idlib for Abu Dhuhour Airport offensive

Leith Fadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:15 P.M.) – A large force from the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) Republican Guard has been redeployed to the Idlib Governorate, a military source told Al-Masdar News this afternoon. According to the military source, the entire 128th Brigade of the Republican Guard has been redeployed from the Qalamoun Mountains to the Idlib Governorate, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

ISIS fully expels jihadist rebels from northeast Hama

Leith Fadel at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (3:50 P.M.) – The jihadist rebels have once again been expelled from the northeastern countryside of the Hama Governorate, following another large-scale advance by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). ISIS resumed their offensive in northeastern Hama, Friday, attacking Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s positions near the Idlib axis. Unable to withstand the Islamic State assault, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز

Trump's first year in numbers: Strikes triple in Yemen and Somalia

Jessica Purkiss at The Bureau of Investigative Journalism - 12 hours ago
161 strikes were launched in Yemen and Somalia during Trump's first year in office, triple the number carried out the year before.

House Blocks Democrat from Seeking to Impeach Trump

Associated Press at Snopes.com - 12 hours ago
Democratic congressman Al Green of Texas had offered articles of impeachment based on comments by President Donald Trump.

Rachel Maddow did an incredible job of explaining the bombshells contained in the testimony of Fusion GPS founder Glenn Simpson before the House Intelligence Committee.

Gryphen at The Immoral Minority - 12 hours ago
Here are a few more highlights from other news outlets. Courtesy of HuffPo: *Glenn Simpson, co-founder of the firm behind the infamous dossier on President Donald Trump’s potential connections to Russia, told Congress that he believes the Russian government has “infiltrated” the National Rifle Association. * *“It appears the Russians, you know, infiltrated the NRA,” Fusion GPS co-founder Simpson said while testifying before the House Intelligence Committee on Nov. 14. His testimony was part of a federal investigation into potential links between the Kremlin and Trump’s 2016 campa... more »

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