11:43 pm MST
Neuroscientist Alexandra Elbakyan designed SCI-HUB to free science from parasitic capitalism, by outsmarting it.
A US judge has ordered that scientific document aggregator SCI-HUB be shut down. The site’s creator, Alexandra Elbakyan, has been fined $15 million. Except the long arm of US copyright greed can’t reach her in Russia, and Elbakyan, a 29-yr-old Kazakh neuroscientist, doubts capitalism’s goons can outsmart the scientific community on her side. For starters, […]
Tweets For Today
Merkel's last chance? https://t.co/JEtNSxcdYs — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) January 7, 2018 The Pentagon is preparing to spend millions of dollars to fix up a Cold War-era air base. https://t.co/SNbgvHcu6u — Foreign Policy (@ForeignPolicy) January 7, 2018 Map of Iran with diplomatic and economic data pic.twitter.com/dgi5UjDOOx — AFP news agency (@AFP) January 5, 2018 WATCH: The latest @ReutersTV tech playlist - Chip flaws send Apple and other companies scrambling while Uber’s former CEO is set to become a billionaire https://t.co/iRjnSGC21F pic.twitter.com/FrmIPWZEfp — Reuters T... more »
President Trump Camp David Press Conference 1/6/18...
"Michael Wolff is a fraud" "Sloppy Steve" *I have two things to say:* It's sad to see Steve Scalise on crutches, but I guess it's better than the alternative. and I think Donald needs to join me at Weight Watchers. We need to keep him healthy. MAGA
A Look At How The U.S., U.K., And South Korea Camouflage Soldiers' Faces
*Popular Mechanics*: *How Militaries Around the World Camouflage Soldiers' Faces* America, South Korea and England all have different styles of face painting. Face=painting is usually pretty low stakes, but the militaries of the world approach it as an important challenge. How best to make a face look like anything but? As Dr. Christopher Larsen of the One Shepherd Leadership Institute demonstrates, thousands of years of evolution has trained humanity to recognize the structure of our faces, so the best bet is to try to exaggerate those features to the point where they're no longe... more »
Picture Of The Day
BMPT Terminator 3 armored fighting vehicle demonstrates its capabilities during the Army 2017 international military expo. © Sputnik/ Mikhail Voskresenskiy *WNU Editor: *The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... *New Weapons to Be Adopted by Russian Armed Forces in 2018* (Sputnik).
The Best Things to Do in Taiwan in 2018
*Lanhou Bed and Breakfast in Laiji below Alishan* Taiwan News lists The best things to do in Taiwan in 2018: 7 standout events to look forward to in Taiwan in 2018. These include watching the ship burning in Donggang, swimming Sun Moon Lake, getting bombarded by fireworks in Yenshui, and similar. So I thought I'd compile a list of my own. 1. *Stay in a bed and breakfast in an aboriginal village.* There are many such wonderful places to stay in the hills and mountains around Taiwan, including Smangus, Chimei, Laiji (pic above), and Mudan. Most of them offer hikes and other get back... more »
"3 Simple Questions That Will Change Your Life"
*"3 Simple Questions That Will Change Your Life"* by Jonathan "I love simple solutions to seemingly complex issues, don’t you? So often we seem to complicate the daylights out of things by over-analyzing, dissecting and brainstorming. I gravitate toward simple solutions whenever possible. Asking yourself the right question is one of the simplest ways to direct your thoughts in a positive direction without jumping through a bunch of mental or emotional hoops. What are the right questions? In particular, those that stimulate your mind to consider new possibilities or interrupt old es... more »
"Destiny..."
"You are what your deep driving desire is; As your deep driving desire is, so is your will; As your will is so is your deed; As your deed is so is your destiny." - Maitri Upanishads
Was President Trump's Twitter-Fueled Foreign Policy Not As Bad As Some Might Think?
*David Gordon and Michael O'Hanlon, USA Today:* *President Trump's Twitter-fueled foreign policy: Not as bad as you might think.* *Yes, Trump is a maverick and populist. But thanks to him, 2017 witnessed less of a dramatic departure from the norm in foreign policy than has been alleged.* With each new barrage of foreign policy tweets — most recently targeting Iran and North Korea and the Palestinians and Pakistan, President Trump cements the idea that he is turning American foreign policy on its head, shattering 70 years of tradition and consensus. But that analysis is more wrong... more »
“Lies We Tell Ourselves”
*“Lies We Tell Ourselves”* by Major Danny Sjursen Life, to be sure, is nothing much to lose, But young men think it is, and we were young. - A. E. Housman, 1859-1936 "Seven of my soldiers are dead. Two committed suicide. Bombs got the others in Iraq and Afghanistan. One young man lost three limbs. Another is paralyzed. I entered West Point a couple of months before 9/11. Eight of my classmates died “over there.” Military service, war, sacrifice - when I was 17, I felt sure this would bring me meaning, adulation, even glory. It went another way. Sixteen years later, my generation of... more »
Leave It To The DC Establishment To Screw Up Democratic Races Across The Country: Hawaii And Orange County
*No reason to settle for crooked GOP-lite candidates in primaries when you have solid progressives like Laura Oatman and Kaniela Ing running* Many people who ever heard of Doug Chin just know him from the Rachel Maddow where she celebrates anyone who hates Trump without ever giving any context. In Chin’s case she could have mentioned he was a conservative corporate lobbyist who was *appointed*-- not even vetted for or elected as-- Attorney General. That was common knowledge and Maddow’s researchers should have caught it. What was less easy to find was that he he claimed there was an... more »
British Homeschool Population Doubles in Six Years
[image: british-homeschool-population-doubles-in-six-years] The number of British children being educated at home has doubled in a mere six-year period, according to government data cited in U.K. media reports.
Ocean temperature study assumptions requires great faith
Bernhard Bereiter, Sarah Shackleton, Daniel Baggenstos, Kenji Kawamura, Jeff Severinghaus. Mean global ocean temperatures during the last glacial transition Nature 553, 39–44 (04 January 2018) doi: 10.1038/nature25152 Little is known about the ocean temperature’s long-term response to climate perturbations owing to limited observations … Continue reading →
Michael Wolff, Author Of 'Fire and Fury: Inside The Trump White House', Says His Revelations Will Bring Down The Trump Presidency
*Reuters*: *Trump book author says his revelations will bring down U.S. president* LONDON (Reuters) - The author of a book that is highly critical of Donald Trump’s first year as U.S. president said his revelations were likely to bring an end to Trump’s time in the White House. Michael Wolff told BBC radio that his conclusion in “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House”-- that Trump is not fit to do the job -- was becoming a widespread view. “I think one of the interesting effects of the book so far is a very clear emperor-has-no-clothes effect,” Wolff said in an interview b... more »
A Former Soviet Dissident's Take On The Unrest In Iran
Ronald Reagan with Natan Sharansky. Wikipedia *Eli Lake, Bloomberg:* *What a Soviet Dissident Sees in Iran's Unrest* *A reminder of what happened when the West supported the Soviet regime rather than the Soviet resistance. * French President Emmanuel Macron is deeply concerned. His government has expressed tempered support for the demonstrations in Iran, but for now he is more worried about the reaction of America, Israel and Saudi Arabia. This week he warned that the full-throated endorsement for the unrest in Iran by these governments "is almost one that would lead us to war." It... more »
Second Felony Conviction from Man Camp Action: 'Rape of Mother Earth, Rape of Our Women'
Water Protector Erica Gonzalez during her trial in Mandan, ND. Second Felony Conviction From Man Camp Action Posted on January 5, 2018 By Water Protector Legal Collective Censored News “When they’re raping our mother earth, they are also raping our women.” MANDAN, North Dakota -- The second group of trials from the Standing Rock action in commemoration of missing and murdered
Syrian Army cuts important jihadist supply line in southern Idlib
BEIRUT, LEBANON (2:30 A.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) resumed their advance in the southern countryside of Idlib, tonight, after capturing several sites from the jihadist rebels during the day. Backed by Russian airstrikes and heavy artillery, the Syrian Arab Army’s Tiger Forces were able to capture the town of Kafraya after a short […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Iraqi forces continue clearing strategic Huwaijah area of ISIS sleeper cells
The Iraqi Army and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) continued their operation to establish security inside Huwaijah, which was recently liberated by the allied forces. Karim Al-Khafeqi, commander of the Iraqi Army’s Second Brigade, announced earlier on Friday that the allied forces had finalized the inspection of sixteen towns near Huwaijah, noting that the operation to […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
“The Dumbing Down of Scholastic Achievement”
*“The Dumbing Down of Scholastic Achievement”* by Sheriff David Clark "When all 164 of Washington D.C. Frank W. Ballou Senior High School’s graduating seniors last year applied for and were accepted to college, the whole community - students, teachers, administrators, parents, and education reformers - had reason to celebrate the achievements of these obviously hard-working graduates. With a graduating class the school system considered “academically disadvantaged,” someone in the school district should have smelled a rat. After all, 98 percent of Ballou’s 930 students were Africa... more »
The Winners and Losers of Trump's Tax Act
*Samuel Rines* *Economics, Americas* [image: White House Chief of Staff John Kelly stands over U.S. President Donald Trump's desk as reporters exit after he signed sweeping tax overhaul legislation into law in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. December 22, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst] There is simply no escaping the wrath of Donald Trump's tax plan—if you are a member of the upper-middle class. The *Tax Cuts and Jobs Act* is not for everyone—both literally and figuratively. On the corporate side, it will be a boon to U.S. businesses. It is difficult to see ... more »
How to Give Up the Electronic Ghost and Get Back to Shabbat
*Amitai Etzioni* *Society, Americas* [image: A Microsoft delegate checks applications on a smartphone during the launch of the Windows 10 operating system in Kenya's capital Nairobi, July 29, 2015. Microsoft Corp's launch of its first new operating system in almost three years, designed to work across laptops, desktop and smartphones, won mostly positive reviews for its user-friendly and feature-packed interface. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya] For decades now the “secular” world of weekdays has invaded the world of holidays and weekends. Today many of us are addicted to our inboxes. Onc... more »
M26 Pershing: The U.S. Military's Nazi Tank Killer?
*Warfare History Network* *History, Europe* It arrived too late to dramatically impact the course of World War II. “We had been assured by our officers before we invaded France in 1944,” recorded Bill Harris, “that our Sherman tanks could take care of any Nazi armor we met there.” Harris, a tank gunner in the U.S. 2nd Armored Division, had been told over and over again that the American M4 Sherman Medium Tank (the Allies’ main battle tank) was as good, if not superior, to any armored fighting vehicle in the Wehrmacht’s arsenal. Unfortunately for hundreds of U.S. and Allied tanke... more »
The M27: The Automatic Rifle That Will Make the U.S. Marines Even Deadlier
*Task and Purpose, Jared Keller* *Security, North America* The beloved M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle may be in more hands sooner than later. The 5.56mm M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle has remained a favorite rifle of the Marine Corps for the better part of this decade. Based on the Heckler & Koch HK416 assault rifle and adopted in 2011 to replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, it’s widely considered more versatile and accurate over a longer range than the average weapon — so much so that the Corps has even discussed replacing every infantry Marine’s M4 carbine with an IAR variant ... more »
The Battle of Chosin Reservoir: How China Saved North Korea from Extinction
*Daniel L. Davis* *History, Asia* If only U.S. military planners had thought a little differently. On June 25, 1950, the North Korean People’s Army (NKPA) under Marshal Kim Il-sung launched a no-notice invasion of South Korea. Many are familiar with the failings of “Task Force Smith” in the first week of the war and MacArthur’s brilliant landings at Inchon that September. Few, however, realize the decisive moment of the war came three months after Inchon, amidst the most brutal cold wave imaginable, at a place called the Chosin Reservoir. American arrogance and bigotry forfeited... more »
South Korea Has Its Own Massive Artillery That NATO Loves (and North Korea Hates)
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Asia* The K-9 Thunder is a beast of a "big" gun. In December 2017, Norway announced it would purchase twenty-four K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers from South Korean firm Hanhwa for $215 million, with an option for up to twenty-four more in the future. The K9 edged out an upgraded M109 howitzer offered by the Swiss firm RUAG and the German Panzerhaubitze 2000, which has a similar main gun and performance profile, but a slightly faster rapid-fire rate compared to the K9. However, the PzH 2000 is considerably more expensive. This marks just the lat... more »
Russia Has a Plan to Dominate the Arctic
*Michael Peck* *Security, Europe* More icebreakers, more power? In a move with chilling implications for the international competition for Arctic sea routes and minerals, Russia is building more nuclear-powered icebreakers. Three more next-generation Lider-class vessels will be constructed in 2023 to 2025, vice-premier Dmitry Rogozin told Russian media. Three more nuclear-powered icebreakers are already under construction. "Rosatom [state civilian nuclear power corporation] has now been instructed as part of private and state partnership to think over the algorithm of financin... more »
FBI Investigating Clinton Foundation "Pay-for-Play" Scheme
[image: fbi-investigating-clinton-foundation-pay-for-play-scheme] Hillary Clinton is in the middle of yet another investigation. Although she is already being investigated by numerous agencies in connection to a litany of crimes, Clinton can add to that list a new investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) into whether the Clinton Foundation engaged in criminal activity including “pay-for-play” when she was secretary of state, according to a report by *The Hill*.
War on Facts and Reason... and vs Iran...
The predicted run-up to a U.S. Iran War is experiencing a hiccup, as massive street demonstrations in two dozen cities raise a slim possibility that theocracy might give way to a modern, moderate and reasonable-modern state. Slim, because the Iranian Revolutionary Guard is large, rich, and highly motivated to keep their gravy train in motion. So what would be the best approach for a sensible, grownup and pragmatically enlightened U.S. policy? Tweet-storms. From a 'genius,' no less. *"In an interview, Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, the first president of the Islamic Republic who now lives i... more »
Ex-Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Arrested For Inciting Unrest Against The Government
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad looks on as he attends the 25th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran February 8, 2012. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl *Times of Israel:* *Report: Ex-Iranian president Ahmadinejad arrested for inciting unrest* According to Arab paper, former leader's comments against Rouhani government amid rallies have led authorities to seek to place him under house arrest. Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been arrested by authorities for allegedly inciting unrest against the government, the London-based daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported... more »
Young Evangelicals Aren’t Stupid— It’s Just That Their Parents Abhor Education And, Tragically, Instill Ignorance Into Their Worldview
I come from a secular Jewish home. My parents and grandparents taught me about *latkes* and gefilte fish, a sense of social justice and the importance of education. My school report cards were always very weighty moments in our household. "College" was the most crucial of goals on the horizon even when I was in elementary school. A "B" was a *shonda*, even worse than being a bigot and not treating everyone with respect... or not saving money. Recently the author and filmmaker Frank Schaeffer, who grew up in a very different-- evangelical-- household, told me that it’s “no coincide... more »
Fake Diamond News
It must be a slow news month (it’s the Christmas holiday period after all) and the Geology website reports Unique Diamonds Discovered in frozen lava sample from Kamchatka. Except that the largest diamond found was 700 microns or 0.007 mm and … Continue reading →
Musical Interlude: 2002, “We Meet Again”
2002, “We Meet Again” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_OmsxDef9c
"A Look to the Heavens"
“NGC 253 is not only one of the brightest spiral galaxies visible, it is also one of the dustiest. Discovered in 1783 by Caroline Herschel in the constellation of Sculptor, NGC 253 lies only about ten million light-years distant. *Click image for larger size.* NGC 253 is the largest member of the Sculptor Group of Galaxies, the nearest group to our own Local Group of Galaxies. The dense dark dust accompanies a high star formation rate, giving NGC 253 the designation of starburst galaxy. Visible in the above photograph is the active central nucleus, also known to be a bright source o... more »
"Remembering Now..."
“You think you will never forget any of this, you will remember it always just the way it was. But you can't remember it the way it was. To know it, you have to be living in the presence of it right as it is happening. It can return only by surprise. Speaking of these things tells you that there are no words for them that are equal to them or that can restore them to your mind. And so you have a life that you are living only now, now and now and now, gone before you can speak of it, and you must be thankful for living day by day, moment by moment, in this presence. But you have a li... more »
Merry Christmas again from Egyptian Chronicles
I think Egypt is lucky to celebrate Christmas twice From Egyptian Chronicles to all Orthodox Christians celebrating Christmas tonight especially in Egypt. [image: An Egyptian Church] An Egyptian Church's dome in CairoEgyptian Orthodox Christians had one hell of a tough year, hopefully2018 will be better for all Egyptians and all the people everywhere. Merry Christmas again and again from Egyptian Chronicles and happy holidays.
The U.S. Navy Is Nowhere Near Its Goal Of Having 355 Ships
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 23, 2014 ) The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) leads a formation of ships from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 during a maneuvering exercise. Theodore Roosevelt participated in the exercise with the Peruvian submarine BAP Islay (SS 35), the guided-missile destroyers USS Winston Churchill (DDG 81), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), USS Farragut (DDG 99) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60). Theodore Roosevelt is underway preparing for future deployments. *The Warzone/The Drive*:* The Course To A 355 Ship Navy Is Becoming Increasingly ... more »
Anti-Trump billionaire will hand deliver a copy of Michael Wolff's book to every member of Congress.
.@TomSteyer tells @KQEDNewsroom he’s bought 535 copies of the Trump expose #FireAndFury and will have them hand-delivered to every member of Congress. Hear our entire interview tonite at 7 pm w/ @thuy Vu, who also talks w/ @DarrellIssa & @RepZoeLofgren. pic.twitter.com/KJnWd8p4RB — Scott Shafer (@scottshafer) January 5, 2018 Courtesy of The Hill: *Democratic mega-donor Tom Steyer says he purchased a copy of author Michael Wolff's controversial new book on the Trump presidency for each member of Congress to read. * *Steyer plans to hand-deliver 535 copies of "Fire and Fury: Inside ... more »
Why your cell phone can lower breast milk production and other harmful effects
Your nursing your baby. And your bored. You crave some mental stimulation and reach for your cell phone, Ipad or laptop computer. I get it and we have all been there. But I urge you to avoid the urge to hop on electronics while you are actively nursing. If your baby is napping, you are […] The post Why your cell phone can lower breast milk production and other harmful effects appeared first on The Drs. Wolfson.
“25 Life Lessons By An Old Greek Shepherd”
*“25 Life Lessons By An Old Greek Shepherd”* by George Giotis, Greece by Greeks *“The road to the destination is never straight.* To reach out to the winter shelter someone must take a lot of turns, travel along rough roads, suffer losses. You have to make sure that you always take food supplies with you. *Leave the past behind.* If a wolf eats your goat, you can't do anything about it. Just make sure that next time you will be more careful. *Don't live just for saving money and don't be stingy.* Don't postpone the tasting of joy for future times. Do it now, while you are still yo... more »
Can You Imagine New England Without Fossil Fuels?
Originally posted on NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT: By Paul Homewood ? ? ? As New England digs itself out of the snow, it is sobering to see just how much they are dependent on fossil fuels for staying alive. Currently, at 1.24pm EST, oil, gas and coal are providing 63% of the…
Dad, Why Are You A Global Warming Denier?: A Short Story That’s Right for the Times
Originally posted on Bob Tisdale - Climate Observations: Dad, Why Are You A Global Warming Denier? by Bob Tisdale is only available, and will only be available, from Amazon in Kindle reader format. Its introduction begins: I penned the following short-story, set in the year 2017, as a series of conversations between a twentysomething daughter…
New Week in Taiwan Defense from Taiwan Perspective
Longtime Taiwan observer Michal Thim has started the "Week in Taiwan Defense" roundup at Taiwan Perspective... Week in Taiwan Defense is a weekly overview of events relevant to Taiwan defense: interesting articles, commentary, and papers. Occasionally introducing older articles on ICWMI (in-case-we-missed-it) basis. Focus on Taiwan’s defense development, People’s Liberation Army activity in the region, U.S.-Taiwan defense relations, and other political developments with relevance to Taiwan and its defense needs. A useful addition! _______________________ [Taiwan] Don't miss the c... more »
The Pentagon Wants New Technologies That Can Fight Wars Without GPS
SPC Christopher Quimbaya, a paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), uses the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) during a combined-arms live-fire exercise at Grafenwoehr, Germany, March 28, 2014. The DAGR Distributed Device (D3), a replacement for the DAGR, is one of several solutions under development that incorporate the Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) System of Systems Architecture. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Markus Rauchenberger) *Warrior Maven:* *Pentagon to Attack Enemies, Fight Wars - Wit... more »
Trump Says He’s ‘Like, Really Smart,’ ‘A Very Stable Genius’
President Donald Trump felt compelled to let the world know he's playing with all his marbles and is among the sharpest cookies around.
Jerry Van Dyke, ‘Coach’ Star and Brother of Dick, Dies at 86
Jerry Van Dyke, 'Coach' star and younger brother of comedian Dick Van Dyke, has died in Arkansas at age 86.
The Daily "Near You?"
Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina. Thanks for stopping by!
We've already lost the technology war . . .
. . . at least, according to yesterday's Dilbert cartoon by Scott Adams. Click the image to be taken to a larger version at its Web site. Peter
These Are The 5 Most Horrific Wars In All Of History
*Kyle Mizokami, National Interest*: *Bloodbaths: These Are the 5 Most Horrific Wars in All of History* *Unlike World War I, World War II was a truly global war with much of the fighting taking place in Asia and the Pacific. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million military personnel and civilians, making it by far the country with the highest death toll. China is thought to have suffered 20 million deaths, Germany 6-7 million, and Japan roughly 2.5 to 3.2 million. The United States was fortunate, losing approximately 420,000, all but 10,000 military deaths.* All wars are aw... more »
Syrian Army kills top jihadist commander amid new advance in east Damascus
BEIRUT, LEBANON (11:20 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) continued their counter-offensive in the eastern Damascus, Saturday, targeting the defenses of Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham, and Faylaq Al-Rahman in the Harasta suburb. During the assault, the Syrian Army managed to destroy a command-and-control center belonging to the jihadist rebels of Hay’at Tahrir […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Syrian Army reaches strategic town in southern Idlib – map
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:55 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) resumed their advance in the southern countryside of the Idlib Governorate, Saturday, seizing several towns that were previously under the control of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and Jaysh Al-‘Izza. Led by their elite Tiger Forces, the Syrian Arab Army began the day by capturing two towns […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Breaking: Russian Air Defense intercepts unknown object above Hmaymim Airbase
BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:25 P.M.) – The Russian Air Defense intercepted an unknown object that was flying towards the Hmaymim Military Airport tonight, a local source told Al-Masdar News. According to the source, at least four armed drones were shot down over the base earlier in the day; however, they are still unsure what the Russian […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
About 400 Syrians return to their homes in past 24 hours – Russian reconciliation center
A total of 390 Syrians from the provinces of Deir ez-Zor, Aleppo and Homs have returned to their homes they had to flee when hostilities erupted, the Russian center for reconciliation of the warring parties said on Friday. “During the day, 390 people returned to their homes, including 355 – in the province of Deir […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Hopis regard themselves as the first inhabitants of America, and their village the oldest
Hopi traditional stories say they came to this Fourth World after an arduous journey in which they changed places for living before finally settling where they are today. Because many of the Hopi rituals are carried out in great secrecy, the details of the ancestors of the Hopi are uncertain. It is believed that they descended from the Ancestral Pueblo American writer Frank Waters, famed for his novels as well as historical works offering insights on the American Southwest, notes in one of his books that the Hopis “regard themselves as the first inhabitants of America,” and “thei... more »
Pro-Kremlin Twittter trolls are coming after Robert Mueller with a vengeance.
Courtesy of Wired: *THE DENSE NETWORK of pro-Kremlin Twitter accounts tracked by the group Alliance for Securing Democracy has spent the last year spreading chaos and discord about topics as diverse as NFL players refusing to stand during the national anthem and Al Franken's alleged sexual misconduct. It was only a matter of time, then, before the troll army set its sights on special counsel Robert Mueller. * *On the website Hamilton68, the Alliance tracks some 600 Twitter accounts it says are associated with a Russia-linked influence network. According to newly released figures, ... more »
Climate Change Double Standard Double Speak Proves Slimate Clience is a Fraud
At CO2 is Life we’ve maintained that Slimate Clience isn’t a true “science” but is simply the liberal cause du jour. Climate Change is a political movement, not a scientific pursuit. One week liberals are promoting the foundation of Nazism Eugenics, then they are spitting on our soldiers returning from Vietnam, then they are celebrating the “victory” of … Continue reading "Climate Change Double Standard Double Speak Proves Slimate Clience is a Fraud"
U.S. Defense Contractors Expect The New Patriot Missile System Will Be Selling Like 'Hotcakes'
*The Warzone/The Drive:* *Enhanced Patriot Missile Enters Full Rate Production, Will Sell Like Hotcakes* *Driven by world events, the market for ballistic missile defense is very hot at the moment, and the Patriot PAC-3 MSE's timing seems just right.* The latest iteration of the popular Patriot Missile System, known as the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), helped swat down multiple targets over White Sands Missile Range during a complex test last November. The PAC-3 MSE interceptor was joined during the test by the Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) Patriot variant that aims ... more »
How Will Kirsten Gillibrand Feel About The Al Franken Scalp On Her Belt If Michele Bachmann Wins His Senate Seat?
You remember Michele Bachmann, right? She founded the congressional Tea Party caucus and is married to a bizarre closet case who used to advertise in gay magazines and in 2012 became-- along with Michele-- citizens of Switzerland. She was a crackpot Minnesota congresswoman from 2007 until she was forced to retire in 2014 rather than face trials for numerous campaign finance violations, for bribing Iowa State Senator Kent Sorenson to support her in the presidential caucuses and for stealing a homeschool e-mail list. When she was finally driven from office, she was under investigati... more »
Can You Imagine New England Without Fossil Fuels?
By Paul Homewood As New England digs itself out of the snow, it is sobering to see just how much they are dependent on fossil fuels for staying alive. Currently, at 1.24pm EST, oil, gas and coal are providing 63% of the region’s electricity. https://www.iso-ne.com/isoexpress/web/charts/guest-hub?p_p_id=fuelmixgraph_WAR_isoneportlet_INSTANCE_WQKSMAX9RozI&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_state_rcv=1 Renewables are only contributing 11%, but […]
The U.S. Army Wants A New Light Tank
The M551 Sheridan tank firing a Shillelagh missile. (Photo by U.S. Army) *We Are The Might*: *The Army wants a new light tank to fill gaps on the battlefield* The United States Army is on the hunt for what they call, “Mobile Protected Firepower” — or, to put it in layman’s terms, the Army wants a light tank. For military buffs, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. There’s been a big gap in capabilities since the M551 Sheridan was retired in 1996. According to a report by the Army Times, the Army is now looking to rectify that gap in capabilities. The M1A2 Abrams tank brings tons of f... more »
Park Bench Cafe #8 - I Wish I Had A River I Could Skate Away On
*Park Bench Café #8* It's about 7 degrees in the Pacific North West...far too warm for outdoor skating. About once every decade or more the local pond freezes over and then becomes like a magic miracle. Once when my children were small it did and we rushed down the street to it with our skates and our big dog. We sat down on a park bench laced up and went out...The iced was smooth as an indoor hockey rink...like the one that the Canadian World Junior Hockey Team won a gold medal on last night...*gotcha! lol. *Bet you didn't think I could start bragging about that so soon. But... more »
U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster: Russia Is TRyiong To Interfere In Mexico's Presidential Election
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to the first working session of the G20 Summit at Constantine Palace in Strelna, near St. Petersburg, September 5, 2013. REUTERS/Grigory Dukor *Business Insider:* *McMaster: US has seen signs of Russian 'subversion and disinformation' in upcoming Mexican election* * National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said in mid-December that the US had seen signs of Russia interference in Mexico's upcoming presidential election. * Analysts and officials have warned for some time about the potential for Russian att... more »
Trump's Failed Coup in Iran
[image: undefined] Listen to the state-"guided" US media this past week and you’d believe a series of spontaneous anti-government protests broke out across Iran. The protests, according to President Donald Trump and his Israeli allies, were caused by "anger over Iran’s spending billions on wars in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon and helping the Palestinian movement Hamas." Trump tweeted that Iranians were finally rising up against what he called their hated, brutal regime. Talk about manufactured news. Most Iranians were elated and proud of their nation’s role in thwarting US plans to occu... more »
The Man Boy Who Cried Wolff
(By *American Zen*’s Mike Flannigan, on loan from Ari) “*Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart... I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!*” -"President" Donald J. Trump, January 6, 2018 *T*o paraphrase an old quote about discipline and genius, "Genius without discipline gives us artists. Discipline without genius gives us bureaucrats. And an abundance of neither gives us people like Joe Chadwick and Donald Trump. This morning, just before the Trump crime famil... more »
"The Center Of The Universe..."
“When science discovers the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to find they are not it.” - Bernard Baily
Paulo Coelho, "The Law of Jante"
"The Law of Jante" by Paulo Coelho "'The Law of Jante?' Of course I had never heard of this, so he explained what it was. I continued on my journey and discovered it is hard to find anyone in any of the Scandinavian countries who does not know this law. Although the law exists since the beginning of civilization, it was only officially declared in 1933 by writer Aksel Sandemose in the novel “A Refugee Goes Beyond Limits.” The sad truth is that the Law of Jante is a rule applied in every country in the world, despite the fact that Brazilians say that “this only happens here,” and ... more »
"The Truth..."
“Paranoia is just another mask for ignorance. The truth, when you finally chase it down, is almost always worse than your darkest visions and fears.” - Hunter S. Thompson.
Seriously, How Dumb is Trump?
Robert Reich - 9 hours ago
For more than a year now, I’ve been hearing from people in the inner circles of official Washington... more »
Snow report and more from Maine
- We have had a record cold streak here in Maine and after another big dump of snow more extreme cold is on the way. To me 'climate change' means disruption of the normal, traditional, weather pattern where you live. That's what we've had the last few years in Maine - year round - and this winter is our hardest yet since moving here in 2003. - To my Florida friends who wonder if we are ready to surrender and come back to Florida - while I can't speak for Mary Beth - I say no, I am staying here. Remember I had my DNA tested recently and 1% of me comes ... more »
Keep a clean house with nontoxic cleaners
By Dr. Mercola A clean, decluttered home provides a much-needed sanctuary from the daily grind. It’s hard to fully decompress if your home is dirty or untidy, and the average American worker spends nearly one hour on housework daily in an attempt to keep a clean house. But there’s a misconception that in order to truly
Canola Oil proven to destroy your body and mind
By Dr. Mercola According to a study by AARP, 93 percent of Americans are concerned with their brain health, but very few understood some of the natural strategies they could use to improve it. Contrary to popular belief, your brain function and cognitive performance do not have to decline with age. There are steps you can
Jay Hardway - Scio
Haven't got time for a post tonight because marking and *Spiral*'s on in a bit. Here for your listening pleasure then is one of the fine slices of 2017 that made the cut of last year's top tunes list. Enjoy!
U.S. Senator Says No Evidence of ‘Sonic Attacks’ in Cuba
Republican Sen. Jeff Flake says the U.S. has found no evidence that American diplomats in Havana were the victims of attacks with an unknown weapon.
Florida Man Calls 911 to Report Himself Drunk Driving
Authorities in Florida received a 911 call on New Year's Eve from a man who said he was driving drunk and needed police.
Mike Pence is rapidly losing top aides while talk swirls about a possible interview with Robert Mueller.
Courtesy of CNN: *Vice President Mike Pence's chief lawyer and domestic policy director are leaving his office at the beginning of the new year, according to four sources familiar with the staff turnover. * *The moves come amid high tensions and staff turnover in the Trump administration thanks to the ongoing Russia probe and a new tell-all book about West Wing happenings. * *"These moves have been in the works for weeks," the vice president's communications director confirmed to CNN. * *CNN has learned that longtime senior staffers Mark Paoletta and Daris Meeks are leaving Pence... more »
Did the City of Seattle Add a ‘Sweetened Beverage Recovery Fee’?
Distributors of sweetened drinks in the Emerald City now have to pay an excise tax of 1.75 cents per fluid ounce.
Jan. 6: A late but superb Christmas message...
A reader sent me this item. It's magnificent. And, oh, I thank him for it. https://www.truthdig.com/articles/what-christmas-means/ _________________________________________________________ The irving press continues to splash in its journalistic gutter. It's latest contribution to the world of madness is Terrence Corcoran, a columnist for Financial Post who single-handedly dismisses all the warning of world scientists to say we can keep doing whatever we like the this planet. Yes, says Mr. Corcoran, the world is getting better every day; poverty and hunger are vanishing. Oh. Reall... more »
CDC Preparing for a Nuclear Blast
On the one hand, effective risk management is optimized when one plans for a wide array of hazards, especially for low-probability but high-impact events, such as an asteroid impact or nuclear attack: Brett Molina (2018, Jan 5). The CDC is preparing for a nuclear blast. USA Today https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/01/05/cdc-preparing-nuclear-blast/1007363001/ As tensions between North Korea and the U.S. rise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want Americans to be prepared in case of a nuclear event. The agency scheduled a briefing Jan. 16 titled "P... more »
Climate debate at the Cambridge Union - The Video
Blog topic: general science, global warming, personal research, politics, weather & climate Two months ago I wrote about the Cambridge Union Debate I participated in. The Cambridge Union has meanwhile posted the debate online. Here is my part of it. I should add that the debate was a real eye opener. By living in Israel, I have had the luxury of experiencing a mostly diverse society, open to a wide range of scientific (and other) opinions. This has allowed me to carry out research without having to care about what other people think. It stands however in stark contrast to the bod... more »
US-Israel regime change operation in Iran
The MEK, delisted as a terrorist group by Hillary Clinton, who have committed numerous atrocities in the Iran-Iraq, and are now promoted in the Western media as "freedom fighters". Like all the US-backed Al Qaeda offshoots and ISIS-in-disguise in Syria - MEK is being used as the violent force inside Iran's protests. This is the same script that the US used in the 2014 coup in Ukraine and has used repeatedly in recent years in all of the color revolutions the CIA has been sponsoring. In the case of the Ukraine the US used the Nazi forces who predominate in the west side of the cou... more »
This Day In Iraqi History - Jan 6
1909 Riots in Mosul killed Sheikh Said Sufi leader in Sulaymaniya Led his followers to revolt cutting off trade in northern Mosul province 1916 start of Battle of Sheikh Saad as British forces moved up the Tigris and encountered the Ottoman defenses 1921 Govt issued order to form Iraqi General Staff Nuri al-Said became Chief of Staff 1942 Court sentenced fmr PM Gaylani and 3 Golden Square colonels to death in absentia 1948 College students went on strike in Baghdad after police broke up protest on Jan 4 over Anglo-Iraq Treaty 1949 Nuri al-Said be... more »
Will A U.S.- Latin American Military Intervention Occur In Venezuela?
Soldiers march during a military parade to celebrate the 206th anniversary of Venezuela's independence in Caracas, Venezuela, July 5, 2017. REUTERS/Marco Bello *Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald*: *A U.S.- Latin American military intervention in Venezuela? It’s a long shot* One of Venezuela’s most prominent intellectuals, Harvard economics professor Ricardo Hausmann, has just published an article that is raising eyebrows across the hemisphere: He is calling for a military intervention by the United States and other countries as the only way to end Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis. ... more »
Time to Pay Attention: CDC Begins Instructing Public on How To Survive Nuclear War
The CDC launched an ominous campaign this week—including pictures of mushroom clouds—to prepare Americans for the prospect of a nuclear winter.
WATCH: Corporate Media Proves Loyalty to Abusers, Belittles Corey Feldman AFTER He’s Vindicated
[image: feldman]Even after Corey Feldman's claims about seeking help from police when he was sexually assaulted were proven true, the media is still trying to discredit him.
SEX IN THE CINEMA: Jimmy looked too old for Kim!
*SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2018Part 4—Our floundering species in action:* Back in 1979, several Alabama mothers dreamed the improbable dream. In one case, the mother's 19-year-old daughter was dating 32-year-old Roy Moore. "She thought he was good husband material,” the daughter told the Washington Post late last year. This helped create a moral panic, during which the Republican Congress passed Donald J. Trump's tax plan. That said, where did that Alabama mother ever get that appalling idea? To answer that question, let's return to the comical annals of sex in the cinema, malecentric... more »
The Chaos In Venezuela Continues
A woman walks past empty shelves at a supermarket in Caracas, Venezuela January 6, 2018. REUTERS/Marco Bello *Reuters:* *Venezuela supermarkets besieged after government forces price cuts* CARACAS (Reuters) - Mobs of Venezuelans gathered outside some Caracas supermarkets on Saturday after President Nicolas Maduro’s government forced shops to slash prices, the latest unrest in the country’s food shortage crisis. Authorities on Friday ordered supermarkets to cut prices to levels they were a month ago, a drastic reduction given Venezuela’s hyperinflation. At one supermarket in a hi... more »
Roy Moore Accuser’s House Destroyed in Fire, Arson Investigation Underway
A fire has destroyed the home of a woman who accused U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore of sexual misconduct.
Study Suggests ‘Sugar Coma’ Is Real — Glucose Ingestion Leads to Worse Cognitive Performance
https://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2018/01/06/study-suggests-_1820_sugar-coma_1920_-is-real-_1420_-glucose-ingestion-leads-to-worse-cognitive-performance.aspx?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=twittermercola_blog&utm_campaign=20180106_study-suggests-sugar-coma-is-real-glucose-ingestion-leads-to-worse-cognitive-performance Advertisements
Energy 105, When both world oil prices and domestic oil taxes are rising
Dutertenomics' tax-tax-tax implementation is off to bad timing. Raising oil taxes on already high global oil prices is insensitive. But then again, even if the tax hike is P20 or P50/liter, the "money will go to the poor" naman daw is always a convenient, hollow, cavalier and opportunistic alibi. *"Diesel tax will increase from zero in 2017 to P2.50/liter in 2018, P4.50 in 2019, and P6.00 in 2020. Gasoline tax will increase from P4.35/liter in 2017 to P7 in 2018, P9 in 2019, and P10 in 2020. Coal tax will increase from P10/ton in 2017 to P50 in 2018, P100 in 2019, P150 in 2020." * h... more »
ISIS declares war on Hamas over Jerusalem ‘loss’ to Trump, Israel
The Islamic State in Egypt has urged its supporters in a new execution video to wage war against Hamas over its failure to defend Jerusalem following Washington’s recognition of the city as the Israeli capital. The 22-minute video, allegedly released by an affiliate of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) in the Sinai Peninsula, and published […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Breaking: Syrian Army inches closer to strategic base in Idlib, captures two towns
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:30 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) resumed their operations inside southern Idlib this afternoon, targeting the last towns under the control of the jihadist rebels near the strategic Abu Dhuhour Military Airport. Led by their elite Tiger Forces, the Syrian Arab Army advanced to the towns of Sarjah and Umm Halahil, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Eleven Saudi princes reportedly stage protest in royal palace, end up in prison
Eleven princes have staged a protest in one of the king’s palaces in the Saudi capital Riyadh, demanding that an order to suspend payment of their water and electricity bills be overturned, according to Saudi online newspaper Sabq. The princes were detained by Saudi authorities after they gathered at Qasr a-Hokm royal palace to object […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Video tour of the recently captured town of Al-Khuwayn in southern Idlib
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:00 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) captured the imperative town of Al-Khuwayn this week after a fierce battle with the jihadist rebels in the southern countryside of Idlib. Led by their elite Tiger Forces, the Syrian Army was able to overpower the jihadist rebels of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham at Al-Khuwayn, forcing […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Iran: Thousands of pro-gov’t protesters unite against ongoing rallies (video)
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:50 P.M.) – Thousands of Iranians took the streets of Amol city on Saturday in support of the Iranian government and in protest against the ongoing anti-government rallies in the Islamic Republic. Protesters waved Iranian flags while chanting slogans against the US and Israel. The pro-government rally comes a day after Iranian Foreign […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز
Saturday Afternoon Links
Assorted content for your weekend reading. - Lana Payne discusses the divergence between an upper class with soaring incomes, and the bulk of the population facing stagnation and precarity: (W)hile the nation’s wealth or GDP looks good, less of it is getting shared around and more and more of it is hoarded at the top end. Governments are collecting less from the rich and corporations, limiting their ability to share wealth and invest and build things that benefit everyone. At the same time, household debt levels are at their highest, sitting at 168% last year. Many Canadians are ... more »
Is Paul Ryan Behind The House Putin-Gate Cover-Up For Trump?
Any impartial observers would agree that House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes has been doing all he can do to sabotage his own committee’s bipartisan examination of the Russian activities that took place in regard to the 2016 presidential election. There are no progressives on the committee, just a pack of conservative New Dems (Adam Schiff, New Dem chairman Jim Himes, Terri Sewell, Andre Carson, Mike Quigley, Joaquin Castro, Denny Heck, plus moderates Eric Swalwell and Jackie Speier) so I have no way of getting any inside information. Watching Eric Swalwell on MSNBC ... more »
Joe Biden Says He Could Kick Howard Dean's Ass Too
There's some real testy old farts in the democrat party. Howard Dean, former Governor of Vermont and head of the DNC and resident nutjob appeared on MSNBC *saying stupid things* including his perception of the American political climate, like that of the old people in the Democratic Party needed to “*get the hell out of politics.*” Dean says no democrat over the age of 50 should be allowed to run for president. I was certain that Hillary Clinton was going to be the one to lose their sh*t over this because you don't have to be a genius to figure out it was pointed mainly at her. Af... more »
Brian Ferraioli Of New York Guilty Of Pump And Dump Scam; Should The Older Brian K. Ferraioli Be Investigated Re Shaw-Westinghouse Bankruptcy?
Below is a guilty plea by Brian Ferraioli (age approx 40) who may or may not be the nephew (or … Continue reading →
British singer Morrissey slams BDS movement as 'absurd' - bang goes BBC approval
'The BDS movement is "absurd," said British singer Morrissey, 58, in an interview with German magazine Der Spiegel, translated by the Jewish Chronicle. The outspoken former frontman for The Smiths has performed in Israel several times, most recently last year at the Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv. He continued to rail against BDS, stating: "It is narrow-minded. Being politically correct is incorrect. It means forbidding the freedom of speech. This is how the BDS movement sounds to me." His newest album, Low in High School, features two tracks which directly reference Israel: "T... more »
These Two Men Will Decide The Future Of Peace In The Middle East
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, warned against trying to appease Ayatollah Ali Khamenei *Seyed Hossein Mousavian, Business Insider/LobeLog: **Striking differences between the leadership styles of Saudi Arabia's crown prince and Iran's Ayatollah could decide the future of peace in the Middle East* * Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is positioning himself to become the most powerful ruler in Saudi history. * His rise has been accompanied with a ratcheting up of hostilities against Iran. * The leadership styles of 78-year-old Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and ... more »
New bill proposes complete eradication of wolves from Wisconsin
Wisconsin legislators have proposed legislation (LRB 3737/1) to end the state's protection of wolves and force police to ignore the killing of wolves. This action, whether passed or not, signals to wolf haters across Wisconsin that they can poach wolves without penalty. "They are depredating our deer population, killing livestock and attacking family pets," the bill's authors said in a memo to their colleagues seeking co-sponsors for the bill. *Claim: “Wolves are killing our pets.” * *Fact: *One pet was killed this year. Seventeen hounding dogs were killed by wolves protecting t... more »
Kurdistan: Impeding the New Silk Road/Rimland Vs Heartland
*I was thinking about this scenario- I'll present my theory in pictures * *Recall this map? It's been posted here previously.* From here*Let's say this is the best case scenario map? Greater Kurdistan aka Israel 2.0 controlled by Usrael and allies. Stretching from the Mediterranean- (we know the Kurds, aided by Usrael, are trying to get to the Mediterranean sea) Through to the Black Sea. The shores of the Caspian. And, to the Persian Gulf. The pot stirring in Iran will take them to the Caspian. Destabilizing Turkey will take the Usrael/ Kurds to the Black Sea. Breaking up Iraq to t... more »
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