10:00 pm MST
I Believe Trump When He Says He Wants To Run Against Biden
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks Biden would make a miserable 2020 candidate and an even worse president-- not worse than Trump, worse as a president than as a candidate. Let me just sit back and revel in Alex Shephard's piece for the *New Republic* about someone who shouldn't be the next nominee for president: This Is As Good As It Gets for Joe Biden. Shephard's first point is one people who are concerned about Biden's high polling numbers need to keep in mind: "He's among the most popular politicians in America. So was Hillary Clinton before her 2016 campaign for pre... more »
Saudi Coalition seizes important areas in northern Yemen (map)
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:00 A.M.) – The Saudi Coalition scored a big advance this past weekend in the Yemeni province of Marib after launching a powerful offensive against the Houthi forces. Backed by heavy airstrikes from their air force, the Saudi Coalition managed to capture the strategic Dahwan and Athaf mountains, forcing the Houthi troops to […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Netanyahu calls Erdogan ‘anti-Semitic dictator’ as leaders exchange insults
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan an ‘anti-Semitic dictator’ in Tel Aviv on Sunday, as the two leaders’ verbal spat continued. “I was just exposed to the daily trolling of the anti-Semitic dictator [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan. He has an obsession with Israel. He knows what a moral army […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
'Extreme heatwaves' expected after Christmas and into 2019
Toasty temperatures will sweep through parts of South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales over the holiday period, with the mercury expected to be 12 degrees higher than normal.
Chris Dawson walks free to spend Christmas with family
Chris Dawson walks free from a western Sydney prison on bail, just weeks after being charged with the murder of his first wife, Lynette, who disappeared from the family home 37 years ago.
World's second largest farm sells to Australian pastoralists
A pair of Australian families have bought the world's second biggest farm, which is thousands of square kilometres larger than the greater Sydney region.
Mitchell Marsh looking likely to be recalled for Boxing Day Test
Just In - 28 minutes ago
Australian coach Justin Langer hints that allrounder Mitchell Marsh could make his return to the Australian side for the crucial MCG clash against India, starting Wednesday.
Fatal crash driver charged after allegedly stealing ute towing caravan to flee scene
A 40-year-old woman who allegedly fled the scene of a crash that claimed the life of a passenger and injured two children is charged with failing to stop and provide assistance, with police saying further charges are possible.
Would you intern at Hungry Jack's? Fast food chain under fire for seeking summer recruits
Just In - 28 minutes ago
The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union says the burger restaurant is trying to bring in cheaper workers over the Christmas period under a Federal Government program that pays interns on unemployment benefits $200 extra per fortnight.
U.S. Senator Rand Paul Condemns Washington's Foreign Policy Establishment
*WNU Editor:* He has a long list of criticisms (*link here*).
French President Macron Slams President Trump Over Syria Withdrawal
*AFP:* *Macron says 'an ally must be reliable' after US Syria pullout announcement* N'Djamena (AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday criticised US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw American forces from Syria, saying "an ally must be reliable". In a sign of the growing diplomatic rift between the two leaders, Macron said "I deeply regret the decision" by Trump to pullout US troops. Trump last week ordered a complete troop pullout from Syria, asserting that the Islamic State group had been defeated, as well as a significant withdrawal from Afghanistan. Anal... more »
Heal Talk: A Rational Discussion about Race, Imposed Identities and Social Constructs
To advocate solidarity is not to deny the existence of injustices. However, I humbly submit that the only way we can ameliorate the legacy of hatred that has, and continues, to crater the lives of millions is through compassion and inclusion. It might feel good to rage at the injuries of the world and let our spirits be infected by antipathy for others, but in the end we will only be consumed by the very… The post Heal Talk: A Rational Discussion about Race, Imposed Identities and Social Constructs appeared first on The Ghion Journal.
Improving the U.S.-Japan Alliance Begins on Okinawa
*Matthew Reisener* *U.S.-Japan Relations, Asia-Pacific* The United States must work to thoroughly address the concerns Okinawans have with its presence on the island. Americans and Japanese have long debated the utility of America’s permanent military presence in the island prefecture of Okinawa, which hosts roughly half of the 54,000 American troops stationed in Japan. This debate has resurfaced with the election of Okinawa’s new governor, Denny Tamaki, who strongly opposes the current plan to relocate America’s Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from the urban center of Ginowan C... more »
Georgia's Budding Libertarian Movement
*Marcos da Rocha Carvalho* *Georgia, Eastern Europe* A seat at the table for these upstart libertarians could mean a new direction for Georgia, a nation that emerged from decades of suppression from Soviet rule but has yet to achieve the individual freedoms that its population is clamoring for. Amidst the myriad campaign posters plastering Tbilisi in the lead up to last month’s first round of presidential elections, an inconspicuous symbol of a changing political tide: green pine cone stickers. The pine cone, or *girchi* in Georgian, is the unassuming mascot and namesake of the f... more »
Introducing Russia's Ultimate Weapon: A Nuclear Bomb 'Cannon'?
*Charlie Gao* *Security, * A Cold War weapon that proved to be obsolete. *Key point: The Soviets developed the 2A3 was a response to American nuclear artillery. Unfortunately, as its development dragged on the entire concept became obsolete.* In the 1950s, both NATO and Warsaw Pact doctrine focused on the employment of tactical nuclear weapons. Truly strategic nuclear weapons and the doctrine of mutually assured destruction (MAD) were at their infancy at the time, so nuclear weapons were seen as a tactical as well as a strategic tool. *(This first appeared last month.)* As a ... more »
RIP B-2, F-22 and F-35?: The Next Generation of Stealth Might Be a Game-Changer
*WarIsBoring* *Security, * Here is everything we know. *Key point: With MAGMA, BAE Systems could be working toward aircraft designs with fewer, or no, moving surfaces — and thus much greater stealth.* Researchers at BAE Systems and The University of Manchester successfully test-flew an experimental unmanned aerial vehicle with no moving control surfaces, BAE Systems announced in December 2017. *(This first appeared several months ago.)* The 12-foot-span, jet-propelled MAGMA drone could help BAE develop stealthier warplanes. Control surfaces account for a significant portion of ... more »
Introducing Kel-Tec's KSG-25: The Best Shotgun on the Planet?
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, * Here is what you need to know. *Key Point: The KSG-25 does not eject shells left or right but instead straight down. The shotgun also has an ambidextrous cross-bolt safety that blocks the action from firing.* Shotguns are typically not what one would consider high capacity weapons. *(This first appeaed several months ago.)* The Kel-Tec KSG-25 bullpup shotgun however flips conventional wisdom on its head, producing a shotgun that can store an astounding forty-one shots of ammunition internally. The KSG-25’s design makes it by far the largest capacit... more »
Introducing Sig Sauer's P-320 X-Carry: Super Gun or Big Waste of Time?
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, * Here is the information you need to know. *Key point: The X-Carry’s lack of a flared external magwell means it is also a third of an inch narrower than the X-5. The X-Carry is also slightly shorter, again likely because of the absence of a magwell. The X-Carry is also significantly lighter than the X-5, at 27 ounces a whole half pound lighter than the larger, full-sized gun.* Sig Sauer’s new P-320 pistol is enjoying a considerable streak of publicity, in large part due to the U.S. Army’s adoption of the it as the service’s new handgun. One new varia... more »
Sunday Talks: Senator Rand Paul -vs- Margaret Brennan on Syrian Withdrawal…
U.S. Senator Rand Paul (KY) appears on CBS Face-the-Nation to discuss the appropriations conflict, border security and his support for President Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria and Afghanistan. . Anyone else notice not a single media network even … Continue reading →
Turkish President: Trump, Erdogan To Coordinate As U.S. Pulls Out Of Syria
I just had a long and productive call with President @RT_Erdogan of Turkey. We discussed ISIS, our mutual involvement in Syria, & the slow & highly coordinated pullout of U.S. troops from the area. After many years they are coming home. We also discussed heavily expanded Trade. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 23, 2018 *The Hill:* *After pushback, Trump describes pullout from Syria as ‘slow & highly coordinated’* President Trump on Sunday said the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria will be "slow & highly coordinated" after facing criticism for what some have desc... more »
'Christmas miracle' as dog returns after surviving fatal crash and week in outback
A dopey dalmatian reappears in the town of Larrimah after surviving a crash that killed her owner and spending a week in the scorching outback.
An underwater landslide on a volcano likely caused Indonesia's deadly tsunami
Just In - 2 hours ago
The landslide was like "dropping a bag of sand in a tub filled with water" and there was no tsunami warning because no-one felt any shaking, experts say.
'Plunge Protection Team' to meet as Wall Street continues rout
Just In - 2 hours ago
US President Donald Trump's Treasury secretary calls top US bankers amid an ongoing rout on Wall Street and makes plans to convene a group of officials known as the "Plunge Protection Team".
'Space hippo' visits Earth for Christmas
Just In - 2 hours ago
An asteroid's close approach to Earth this Christmas has revealed it to be similar in shape to a "hippopotamus wading in a river", NASA says. The 'hippo' will not come as close again for several decades.
Police investigate damaged drone found near Gatwick and 'mistaken' sightings
Just In - 2 hours ago
Sussex police are examining a damaged drone near Gatwick but say it is possible witnesses who reported drone sightings after the first one aroused alarm were mistaken.
Bees dying in their boxes as erratic weather takes heavy toll
Bees are starving and hives have died following erratic weather patterns in South Australia that are being blamed for an 80 per cent fall in honey yield.
Now is the hour of My appearing
* I AM* Helios of the Dawn: *hear the Word of the living God!* Behold, the earth is Mine and the fullness thereof. The hour has come and now is when My children shall be gathered together from the four corners of the earth and shall respond to the ministration of the Good Shepherd of humanity, when they shall understand in a manner never before possible the meaning of infinite love. I say unto all: *Awake, thou that sleepest, and rise from the dead* that you may receive the light of the Universal Christ. Lo and behold, the eucharist of the Dawn is breaking and the particles... more »
“Family First Act” Has a “Presents for Pimps” Loophole to Allow Sex Trafficking to Continue in Foster Care Group Homes
It’s always cause for celebration when a place that institutionalizes children is forced to close. The residential treatment portion of Hawthorne-Cedar Knolls, an institution in Westchester County, north of New York City, is scheduled to shut down. But don’t celebrate too much. A new federal law actually makes it easier to keep such institutions going, and set up new ones. The shutdown of the residential treatment portion of Hawthorne-Cedar Knolls won’t happen because the agency that runs it, the Jewish Board Family and Children’s Services, had a crisis of conscience. It will happe... more »
Men Are More Satisfied By Bromances Than Their Relationships
http://time.com/4978727/bromance-male-friendships/?utm_campaign=time&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&xid=time_socialflow_facebook Advertisements
Nasa map of Earth over 20 years highlights astonishing impact of climate change.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/nasa-map-earth-20-years-impact-climate-change-global-warming-life-environment-a8062221.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1545579369
Jefferson Airship - The Follow Up
There was some follow up to the Jefferson airship crash. The crash happened on Saturday night, April 10, but was not reported in the newspaper until April 15. If it was a real event, with most of the town aware of it, then the following letters to the editor would have had a chance to make their way to the newspaper office for publication on Thursday. That seems to be the case because there were more descriptions of the craft. One of them, dated April 12, is particularly interesting. It said: RIPPEY, IOWA, April 12, 1897. EDITORS BEE —It may be a matter of some interest to your rea... more »
‘Now We’re Switching It Up’: US Carrier Enters Persian Gulf for 1st Time Since Iran Deal Withdrawal
‘Now We’re Switching It Up’: US Carrier Enters Persian Gulf for 1st Time Since Iran Deal Withdrawal by https://www.rt.com/ As the two nations exchange open threats, the Pentagon has sent an aircraft carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf, while Iran stages “massive” naval drills in the region, with its fleet surveilling US ships. – The […]
Netanyahu Vows To Intensify Attacks In Syria After US Troop Withdrawal
Netanyahu Vows To Intensify Attacks In Syria After US Troop Withdrawal by Tyler Durden, https://www.zerohedge.com/ Speaking at the fifth Israel-Greece-Cyprus summit held in the southern city of Beersheba on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to intensify military action in Syria after the White House’s unexpected order for all US troops to pullout out of the country — an effort that’s expected to be complete […]
Putin Issues Ominous Warning on Rising Nuclear War Threat
Putin Issues Ominous Warning on Rising Nuclear War Threat by VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV, https://www.apnews.com/ MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a chilling warning Thursday about the rising threat of a nuclear war, putting the blame squarely on the U.S., which he accused of irresponsibly pulling out of arms control treaties. – Speaking at his annual news […]
Israeli Forces Admitted to Killing Downed Palestinian Assailant, but Incident Was Never Probed
Israeli Forces Admitted to Killing Downed Palestinian Assailant, but Incident Was Never Probed by Yotam Berger, Jack Khoury, https://www.haaretz.com/ Despite border policemen’s admission they continued shooting after Basel Ragheb Sidr was lying wounded on the ground, the Justice Ministry department that probes police misconduct twice refused to investigate. – On October 14, 2015, a 19-year-old Palestinian […]
The European Project Comes to an End
The European Project Comes to an End by https://gefira.org/ The end of the EU and the Balkans as China’s foothold in Europe Though the end of the European Union is inevitable, the proponents of a further integrated or federal superstate are busy making a last effort to achieve their goal. The opposition against the project is […]
Glenn Greenwald: Congress Is Trying to Make It a Federal Crime to Participate in Boycott of Israel
Democracy Now! Published on Dec 18, 2018 https://democracynow.org – Twenty-six states have laws preventing state agencies from contracting with companies or individuals aligned with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. BDS is an international campaign to pressure Israel to comply with international law and respect Palestinian rights. However, its opponents say BDS is a thinly disguised […]
Will America’s Longest War Finally Come To An End?…Let’s Hope So
RonPaulLibertyReport Streamed live on Dec 21, 2018 Over the last few days, President Trump has shocked just about everyone. First a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, and then a 50% reduction of troops from America’s 17 year old war in Afghanistan. This is what Americans have been voting for for decades, and naturally, the […]
The UK and the US Ramp Up Tensions with Russia Over Ukraine
The UK and the US Ramp Up Tensions with Russia Over Ukraine by https://www.telesurenglish.net/ The US and the UK are looking to increase funding for navy and to send navy ships to the Ukraine, respectively, as a means to boost the country’s capacity to fight Russia. – On Saturday, the United Kingdom‘s defense ministry deployed a navy warship to Ukraine in order to “send a […]
Ukraine to Declare War on Russia Next?
Ukraine to Declare War on Russia Next? by https://thesaker.is/, 22 Dec 2018 Note by The Saker: Eugenia and the other translators were wondering whether it was worth translating such a demented piece of proposed legislation, but I asked them to go ahead and do it even though I fully agree with them that the author of […]
Trump To End Unconstitutional Syria War. Washington Heads Are Exploding
RonPaulLibertyReport Streamed live on Dec 20, 2018 The same warmongers of liberal and neoconservative stripes who had no problem with President Obama taking us INTO war in Syria without Congressional approval are now screaming bloody murder because President Trump has decided to take us OUT. Are they acting on principles? Or pure politics? end
Alex Newman: We Are Dealing With a Diabolical Conspiracy that Hates God
How do you destroy a country? One way is to do what the Illuminist leaders of France and Germany are doing: allow unchecked, uncontrolled migrants. Am I against migrants? Not at all. But it must be done properly and legally. – Illuminist leaders in Europe do not intend to help the migrants. They want to […]
Nicaraguan Government Moves To Shut Down Opposition Voices
Security camera footage shows law enforcement walking inside the TV station Friday night. *CNN:* *Police storm TV station in Nicaragua and arrest owner for instigating hate* (CNN)Nicaraguan police shut down operations at a major TV network and arrested the owner, accusing him of instigating hate and violence in the country, officials said. Law enforcement raided the headquarters of 100% Noticias in Nicaragua's capital of Managua late Friday night and took several people in custody, including the broadcaster's owner and director, Miguel Mora, and news director Lucia Pineda, collea... more »
James Comey Lies in Tweet About Lying….
This is rich. Here’s the Comey tweet: Here’s the actual federal Pay Schedule: Former FBI Director James Comey is a liar. If he’d lie about a little thing; what else would he lie about?….
President Trump Makes Mattis Departure Effective Immediately…
Defense Secretary James Mattis wanted us to stay in Paris accord. Trump said no. Mattis wanted us to stay in the Iran deal. Trump said no. Mattis wanted less pressure on NATO. Trump said no. Mattis wanted to keep soldiers … Continue reading →
Whomever/whoever
https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/whoever.asp [image: Image may contain: flower, text that says 'To whomever reads this, I hope something good happens to you today.'] *Rule 1.* The presence of *whoever* or *whomever* indicates a dependent clause. Use *whoever* or *whomever* to agree with the verb in that dependent clause, regardless of the rest of the sentence. *Rule 2.* When the entire *whoever/whomever* clause is the subject of the verb that follows the clause, look inside the clause to determine whether to use *whoever* or *whomever*.
Santa baby
I have only one firm belief about the American political system, and that is this: God is a Republican and Santa Claus is a Democrat. P.J. O'Rourke
Merry Christmas to All
*Christmas Elves and Other Cheerful Things* *Wishing you all the Best for a * *Merry Christmas 2018* Time to take a break from blogging... and other regular activities for a few days... and get immersed in the Joys of the Season. Time to get close to family and friends that become separated from us by time and space during the year. Time to indulge in memories. Simple things like old ornaments and decorations taken out and viewed with the eyes of experience...and yearning for the time of innocence. Christmas is a time of, and for, children...and miraculously, it awakens the chi... more »
2018 In Review: The Republican Mind Continues To Turn Into Mush. The Whole World Is Watching, Part 4.
*by Noah* Friday December 14th was the grim anniversary of the 2012 Newtown, CT. massacre of 27 elementary school children and school staff, a massacre that, sadly, many deranged Republicans will still tell you is a hoax. They will tell you that "crisis actors" played the roles of the victims and that it was all a production of the "fake news" media. I've personally heard this from the lips of such people right out in public. This year, the murders at Parkland, FL brought more of the same. These people "know" what they "know" to be true because they've heard it from their own "new... more »
Afghan President Replaces His Security Chiefs
*RFE:* *Afghan President Announces Government Shakeup * Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has announced that Assadullah Khalid, the former head of Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security (NDS), as the country's defense minister and Amrullah Saleh, also a former intelligence chief, as interior minister. Ghani made the announcement in a December 23 decree in which he asked the parliamentary affairs minister to send the nominations for approval to Afghanistan’s lower house of parliament, known as the Wolesi Jirga. Both men will serve as acting ministers until the parliament approv... more »
Mean Girls meets Dangerous Liaisons in Oscar contender The Favourite
Just In - 4 hours ago
A lesbian love-and-power triangle causes havoc in the court of Great Britain's 18th century Queen in this latest caper from the director The Lobster.
Harnessed horse unearthed in ancient stable near Pompeii
Just In - 4 hours ago
Archaeologists dig up the petrified remains of a harnessed horse and saddle, believed to belong to military officer during ancient Roman times, in the stable of an ancient villa in Pompeii.
Hobart man on public housing wait list says he can't bring wife home from hospital for Christmas
Michael and Maria Fitzgerald have been on Tasmania's public housing wait list for three years. Mr Fitzgerald says his wife's recent battle with a brain infection has rendered their private rental too dangerous, and is calling on the State Government to make their case a priority.
Australian Daily Electrical Power Generation Data – Wednesday 19th December 2018
By Anton Lang ~ This Post details the daily power consumption data for the AEMO coverage area in Australia. For the background information, refer to the Introductory Post at this link. Each image is shown here at a smaller size to fit on the page alongside the data for that day. If you click on […]
learn to look within with the purity of a child
12-21-18 *"China* is basically trying to steal the future of Japan, the U.S. and Europe by going after our technology," US trade adviser Peter Navarro said...."It goes back to the Communist system where there are no property rights. If there are no property rights, you can't steal property, right?" he said. (Only Communist Party has property.) https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/china-deal-changes-navarro/2018/12/21/id/895509/ ........................................................ ................................................................................ 12-22-18 ... more »
Musical Interlude: Ludovico Einaudi, “Oltremare”
Ludovico Einaudi, “Oltremare” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8MzHqkNBwo
"A Look to the Heavens"
“What will become of these galaxies? Spiral galaxies NGC 5426 and NGC 5427 are passing dangerously close to each other, but each is likely to survive this collision. Typically when galaxies collide, a large galaxy eats a much smaller galaxy. In this case, however, the two galaxies are quite similar, each being a sprawling spiral with expansive arms and a compact core. As the galaxies advance over the next tens of millions of years, their component stars are unlikely to collide, although new stars will form in the bunching of gas caused by gravitational tides. *Click image for larger... more »
"We Are Dead Stars: Every Cell In Your Body Is Infused With The Collapse Of A Star“
*"We Are Dead Stars:* *Every Cell In Your Body Is Infused With The Collapse Of A Star“* by Cate Matthews “Living shoulder-to-shoulder on a small blue planet zooming through an ever-expanding universe, it's easy to feel very, very small. But what we are is actually pretty incredible. "We are dead stars looking back up at the sky," Dr. Michelle Thaller, astronomer and science communicator at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, says in a recent video posted by "The Atlantic": Every single cell in our bodies contains elements created in the burning center of a collapsing star- from the... more »
Chet Raymo, "Free As A Bird"
*"Free As A Bird"* by Chet Raymo "All afternoon I have been watching a pair of hummingbirds play about our porch. They live somewhere nearby, though I haven't found their nest. They are attracted to our hummingbird feeder, which we keep full of sugar water. What perfect little machines they are! No other bird can perform their tricks of flight - flying backwards, hovering in place. Zip. Zip. From perch to perch in a blur of iridescence. If you want a symbol of freedom, the hummingbird is it. Exuberant. Unpredictable. A streak of pure fun. It is the speed, of course, that gives the ... more »
Morongo Tribe Helps 3,000 disadvantaged children from across Inland Southern California
Laughter and excitement filled the morning air on Monday as more than 3,000 disadvantaged children from across Inland Southern California took part in the annual Christmas Cheer All Year Shopping Spree, sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Throughout the morning, smiling children emerged from the Target Store in Rancho Cucamonga, CA happily clutching superhero action figures, dolls, stuffed animals, Lego sets, soccer balls, books, board games and other toys that they picked themselves during the three-hour shopping spree. “The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is excited... more »
John Ratcliffe Discusses Border Security Funding and James Comey Interview…
Representative John Ratcliffe discusses ongoing congressional appropriations battle and his interview last week of James Comey. Mr. Ratcliffe points out that congressional investigators have taken the inquiry into the DOJ and FBI corruption as far as possible; it is now … Continue reading →
Where are we overreacting today?
When you look back at postwar history, you see lots of examples of where the consensus of opinion overreacts to a perceived threat. Here are three examples, but there are many more that could be cited: 1. After the Soviet Union occupied Eastern Europe and developed nuclear weapons, there was a second “red scare”. (The […] The post Where are we overreacting today? appeared first on Econlib.
The Daily "Near You?"
San Bernardino, California, USA. Thanks for stopping by!
"Incoherent Thoughts from the Yankee Capital: Papua New Guinea Looks Better and Better II"
*"Incoherent Thoughts from the Yankee Capital: * *Papua New Guinea Looks Better and Better II"* by Fred Reed "Having just returned from two weeks in the curious environs of Washington, DC, I offer a few observations on the national lunacy deposit: The de-Christianization of the country, or at least this part of it, is almost complete. I can think of hearing the word “Christmas” only twice in two weeks of trough-inciting retail advertising. Culture shock: We stayed with friends who for various reasons, such as being in the business, always had a television on. At home in Mexico we got ... more »
Trump’s Reluctant Backers Sour on His Leadership, Policies
"Somewhat" Trump voters are much more likely to disapprove of Trump on key issues such as immigration and health care, and to express divergent opinions on a need for a border wall, gun control and climate change.
Have Two McDonald’s-Containing Countries Ever Been at War with Each Other?
Whether an economic theory involving McDonald's franchises and war literally holds true largely depends on one's definition of "war."
Russia Warns Of Global Conflict If The Current Cold War Era Nuclear Pact Is Scrapped
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attend annual news conference in Moscow, Russia December 20, 2018. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov *Reuters:* *Russia warns of global conflict over nuclear pact collapse* MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Saturday that the scrapping of a Cold War era nuclear pact may lead to an arms race and direct confrontation between several global regions, after a proposal by Moscow was rejected in a United Nations vote. Moscow had put forward a resolution in support of the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) which ban... more »
Gilad Atzmon’s Christmas Message
In response to an intense smear campaign against himself, his work, his writing and his livelihood, Gilad Atzmon presents his own short Christmas message
Tsunami death toll rises to 222 – And climbing
843 injured at last count Tsunami from erupting Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) kills at least 222 in Indonesia. The deadly tsunami, apparently caused by an underwater landslide on slopes of the volcanic island, struck in the dark without warning. The ground did not shake beforehand to alert people to the oncoming wave that ripped ... Read moreTsunami death toll rises to 222 – And climbing The post Tsunami death toll rises to 222 – And climbing appeared first on Ice Age Now.
Empires Don’t Quit: Thoughts on Trump’s Syria Withdrawal
If you’ve ever gotten an offer for a free plane ticket, you’ve probably become acquainted with a sad reality really quickly. You have to read the fine print. Once you do, you discover that: The ticket’s not free. You have to pay a whole bunch of fees and processing charges. When and where you can travel is extremely limited. Your open window is more often than not at a completely inconvenient day and time. You… The post Empires Don’t Quit: Thoughts on Trump’s Syria Withdrawal appeared first on The Ghion Journal.
Restoring Civilization: We Can’t MAGA Unless We MAMA
[image: restoring-civilization-we-can-t-maga-unless-we-mama] The famous apocryphal saying goes, “America is great because America is good, and if she ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.” For sure, we can’t MAGA unless we MAMA — Make America Moral Again.
You're a Foul One, Mr. Trump
If Congress had one shred of heart tissue left in its foul body politic (and we all know they don't), they would not have adjourned for their winter recess without giving the people the bestest Christmas gift ever- Articles of Impeachment or at least the groundwork for invoking the 25th Amendment. True, there's always the upcoming next Congress along with its 40 new Democrats and the Democratic majority and the impeachment resolution and subpoena power that comes with it. They could have given us *some* hope that this fecal-flecked administration won't come close to lastin... more »
MERRY CHRISTMAS
*Merry Christmas to all who visit here.* *From near or far?* *Where ever it is you are.* *Our wish, my family to you and yours, is for each of you to have a Christmas filled with gratitude for all that we do have- Love. Family. Support from others. (That's you guys and gals too) Appreciation for the people we still have with us. Fond memories of those we have lost.* * I thank you all for sharing your time with me as well.* * Enjoy moments shared with family & friends.* *Don't drink or eat too much. Though we all will. ;)* *Writing this as I do with my glass of red wine b... more »
Only on the BBC
Satirising the BBC is getting ever harder. This is 'breaking news' from BBC News's main Twitter feed at the moment: This is about a radio presenter in Argentina. Yes, Argentina. As you might guess, comments could be going better. Of course, you could say 'Well, it's just Twitter', but no: The BBC News website has it as one of its *top headline stories* at this very moment. It's front page headline is *Sexist radio presenter must host feminists* (with no quotation marks around 'sexist'), and it comes just under another massive story (for the BBC) *'Halfwit' attacks Banksy's lates... more »
The non-general in his labyrinth
Screenshot from Jim Henson's *Labyrinth*, 1986. A lot of people roll their eyes when journalists like Haberman and Baker file another story about Trump's "increasing isolation"—how much more could it have increased since the last time they wrote it? Is it getting near bottom yet? WASHINGTON — When President Trump grows frustrated with advisers during meetings, which is not an uncommon occurrence, he sits back in his chair, crosses his arms and scowls. Often he erupts. “Freaking idiots!” he calls his aides. Except he uses a more pungent word than “freaking.” For two years, Mr. Trump... more »
Who Is Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan?
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan participates in a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 18. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith) *Task & Purpose/Sacramento Bee:* *Meet Patrick Shanahan, The Man Trump Picked To Temporarily Replace Mattis * President Donald Trump revealed on Twitter on Sunday that he has named Patrick M. Shanahan as acting secretary of defense to replace James Mattis. Mattis, who resigned his post in a dispute over Trump’s military pullout from Syria and Afghanistan, according to The Washington Post, will l... more »
Tsunami came without earthquake as warning, taking residents by surprise
Just In - 6 hours ago
Indonesia is no stranger to the devastation of tsunami, but the most recent wave was triggered by an undersea landslide, giving seaside residents little warning or opportunity to flee for higher ground.
Family violence victims face Christmas alone as services shut down
While reported incidents of domestic violence jump 25 per cent in NSW during the festive season, many essential family violence services shut down and leave vulnerable victims without support.
Locals, coffee, curation and Instagram: How suburban street retail is fighting back
The death of independent suburban street retailers has been talked about for the past decade, but they're still here. And as we hit the end of Christmas and head into the sale season, these retailers reckon they know why.
Man found dead at home in Melbourne's west
Just In - 6 hours ago
Homicide squad detectives speak to two people after a man is found dead in suspicious circumstances at a house in Altona.
US/ Syrian Withdrawal Pt.2: Check Out Time is Long Overdue..
*Following up on this post: US Syrian Withdrawal- "You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave." * *1.** Syria Doubts the US is Leaving* Syria’s UN Amabassador Bashar Ja’afari*"At first we need to see if this decision is genuine or not," he said. ‘The American decision was referring us to a delay of between 60 and 100 days so let is wait and see if this decision is being implemented genuinely."* *The Syrian diplomat said announcements of troops withdrawals from other countries, including Iraq, were made during the previous administrations, but US forces are still the... more »
Sunday Afternoon Links
This and that for your Sunday reading. - Jeffrey Sachs writes that the fight against climate breakdown demands a concerted solution to global problem - rather than political wrangling over whether anybody will accept any responsibility for desperately-needed change. And Adam Tooze points out the foreseeable political threats posed by rising sea levels. - James Wilt notes that a carbon tax at the levels on offer in Canada will fall far short of making a meaningful dent in our obligations - and argues that a relatively narrow issue placed front and centre for the political benefit o... more »
Christian Group Opposes Meditation, Says Mindfulness Is Against Their Religion
https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2018/12/16/christian-group-opposes-meditation-says-mindfulness-is-against-their-religion/ Advertisements
Black hole entropy and soft hair
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/JHEP12(2018)098?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ads&utm_campaign=SPSN_2_RC_JHEP_Hawking_Dec2018
Eating More Green Leafy Vegetables May Lower Glaucoma Risk
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/02/01/amp/vegetables-lower-glaucoma-risk.aspx?__twitter_impression=true
Looking for a Lock
https://hms.harvard.edu/news/looking-lock?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=hms-twitter-general
NEJM Journal Watch Psychiatry Top Stories of 2018
https://www.jwatch.org/na47953/2018/12/21/nejm-journal-watch-psychiatry-top-stories-2018 Source: #NEJM
Vitamins and supplements for weight loss
http://becookmethods.com/vitamins-and-supplements-for-weight-loss/
Hiatal Hernia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
https://articles.mercola.com/amp/hiatal-hernia.aspx?__twitter_impression=true
Origin of spatial variation in US East Coast sea-level trends during 1900–2017
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0787-6.epdf?shared_access_token=zK4uBunSVEK7a9R1XNfS99RgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0NECh_yE1cIpiy7NJD41mN7FWj88gqNLDN7slgxs89A9XChBfcMQ1kg5rAqeb2jbExk20s2VNYhXhnssk-iJa4vjATgeCVGm7LlNeOPms8fBMGpJbDAD2bmlzUjdTFZ9UQ%3D
Bananas have died out once before – don’t let it happen again
https://aeon.co/amp/ideas/bananas-nearly-went-extinct-before-dont-let-it-happen-again?__twitter_impression=true
Saving the Seas: New Technologies to Protect the Ocean
The ocean covers more than 70 percent of our planet’s surface. The Pacific alone is more than 60 million square miles. And yet, technologists are often focused on their home turf, populating roads with Ubers, equipping cities with wireless access … Continue reading →
True Authenticity: The Art of Learning Who You Are & How to be YOU!
From the moment we're born, we are subjected to the opinions and labels of the people around us…
The Metaphysics of Monotheism and Money
Why don’t more of us look beyond the perspective of the self and the status quo of the majority?
Your Body is a Projection of Consciousness and Thought
In the early 1900’s, the famous double-slit experiment demonstrated that material objects can actually change their composition based on what is being held in consciousness when said objects are observed.
For Mash Get Smash
*The Daily Mash* (satirical inspiration for the BBC's impartiality-free *The Mash Report*) has recently published a piece about the BBC's *Question Time*. It seems a little wrong-headed to me so, in the spirit of Christmas, I've ever-so-slightly tweaked it to bring it somewhat closer to reality: *BBC confirms next Question Time to come from Angryborough in North Salford* . THE next episode of topical panel show *Question Time* will be broadcast from Angryborough in the metropolitan borough of North Salford. The BBC believes the location will ensure a bear pit of shouty, Tory-ha... more »
Michigan Couple Remarry After Realizing 1st Try Wasn’t Legal
A Michigan couple learned that they broke the law when they wed two years ago, so they asked a judge to void the illegal marriage and then to do it all over again.
The Poet: Rainer Maria Rilke, "Ninth Duino Elegy"
*"Ninth Duino Elegy"* "Praise the world to the angel: leave the unsayable aside. Your exalted feelings do not move him. In the universe, where he feels feelings, you are a beginner. Therefore show him what is ordinary, what has been shaped from generation to generation, shaped by hand and eye. Tell him of things. He will stand still in astonishment, the way you stood by the ropemaker in Rome or beside the potter on the Nile. Show him how happy a thing can be, how innocent and ours, how even a lament takes pure form, serves as a thing, dies as a thing, while the violin, blessing it, fades... more »
Christmas Musical Interlude: Plácido Domingo, "La Virgen Lava Pañales"
Plácido Domingo, "La Virgen Lava Pañales"
Paulo Coelho, “Things As They Are”
*“Things As They Are”* by Paulo Coelho “Of course things don’t always happen they way we wish they would. There are moments in which we feel we are seeking something that is not meant for us, knocking on doors that don’t open, waiting for miracles that don’t manifest themselves. Fortunately that is the way things are – if everything went the way we wanted, soon we would no longer have anything to write about, nothing to guide our daily thoughts. This script serves our dreams as nourishment, but to our battles as energy. And as it always happens with the warriors that spend all thei... more »
'Kicked when you're down': Contractors say NT Government let them down over owed wages
Lachlan White has been building his small business, Northern Stone Solutions, from the ground up for the past 10 years. But now he's among the 95 businesses to be left out of pocket by Pivotal Building Services.
Leftover Christmas prawn shells used to fight deadly superbugs
Queensland researchers are waiting to get their hands on our stinky prawn waste from Christmas lunch in a bid to create a wound healer described as a "game changer" when it comes to killing off antibiotic-resistant bugs.
Elon Musk's SpaceX successfully launches US military satellite into orbit
Just In - 7 hours ago
Billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX successfully launches its long-delayed US military navigation satellite into orbit, making it the company's first national security space mission for the US Government.
Irrigation and climate change are strangling one of the world's holiest rivers
Israel is bringing desalinated seawater to the drought-stricken Jordan Valley, where irrigation and climate change are strangling one of the world's holiest rivers.
Swedish city's 51-year fight to save its Christmas goat from vandals has only succeeded 15 times
For more than 50 years in the Swedish city of Gavle there has been an annual Christmas battle, as authorities try to keep the world's largest straw goat from being destroyed. They've only succeeded 15 times.
Trump annoyed by resignation letter, pushes out Mattis early
Just In - 7 hours ago
US President Donald Trump announces that Deputy Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan will take on the role on an acting basis from January 1, with a senior White House official claiming the move was sparked by Mr Trump's anger at General James Mattis's resignation letter.
Fractures, head injuries, stab wounds — it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Just In - 7 hours ago
Fractures, head injuries, internal bleeding — welcome to the "festive season" as viewed by those working in our hospital trauma wards at Christmas time, write Jennifer Jamieson and Simon Hendel.
Financial planning rot more than just a few bad apples
The banking royal commission has laid bare the conflicts of interest that still tempt many financial planners to put their own interests first at the expense of their clients, writes Andrew Robertson.
Australian bats need to fire at MCG to avoid talk turning to Warner and Smith
The Australian cricket team's performances so far this summer have meant the banned batsmen have barely merited a passing mention, but the real test of their absence will be on a batsman-friendly wicket at the MCG, writes Richard Hinds.
Rescued tiger who survived starvation in world’s worst zoo now happy in sanctuary
The zoo, which has since been closed down, was partly destroyed by bombs during the conflict between Israel and Gaza. It was dubbed the ‘worst zoo in the world’ after photographs of the starving animals were released to the global media. Laziz was relocated to LionsRock – a sanctuary for big cats – in South Africa and has settled in well. Four Paws veterinary surgeon, Dr Amir Khalil, said: “So many people have followed the progress of our mission eagerly and shown their solidarity with Laziz and the other animals. “We are happy that we were finally able to close down Khan Younis ... more »
A 2019 resolution: Honesty in energy policy
Consumers to pay nine times more than necessary for wind-powered electricity because politicians refuse to be shackled by inconvenient energy, environmental or economic realities or ethics. ______________ “Virginia lawmakers recently teamed up with Governor Ralph Northam to approve a $300-million offshore wind project that will impose killer electricity rates of 78¢/kilowatt-hour for their intermittent electricity,” ... Read moreA 2019 resolution: Honesty in energy policy The post A 2019 resolution: Honesty in energy policy appeared first on Ice Age Now.
China’s Next Generation Of Weapons And Military Equipment Nears Readiness
The Type 055 destroyer starts its maiden trial. Photo: Handout *SCMP:* *After heavy investment, China’s next generation of weapons and military equipment nears readiness* * Several key pieces that could significantly improve the capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army are expected to be completed or delivered next year * Aircraft carriers, strategic stealth bombers and nuclear submarines are among the equipment being developed and tested China has been investing heavily in its military modernisation, with one of the focuses on the research and development of next-generation we... more »
"How It Really Is"
That's us, btw, and yes, it's that close... I apologize for being such a grinch at this holiday season, but the "fierce urgency of now" demands that you be as informed as fully as possible to reality, not the comforting and reassuring lies you've been told repeatedly about how it's all so good. Listen, folks... enjoy this Christmas, make it as happy as you can, and savor every sweet memory because it's the last "Merry Christmas" we'll see for a very, very long time... - CP
Cory Booker-- He's Running
Cory Booker's seat is up in 2020 but he persuaded New Jersey's very pliable legislature to pass a bill making it possible for "someone" to run for their Senate seat and for president at the same time. Booker has a ProgressivePunch "A" score. In fact, they rate his lifetime crucial vote record as the 4th best in the Senate, fractionally better than Bernie's! But he's not someone I'd vote for in a presidential primary. Booker isn't going to be on our Worst Democraps Who Want To Be President list. Like Beto, he's not *that* bad-- the way Biden, Gillibrand and Bloomberg are. Before he... more »
Trump Forces Out Sec Of Defense Mattis By Jan 1st, Not Allowing 2 Mth Transition; Replaces With Former Boeing Exec Shanahan
Trump fearful of losing his name on Trump Towers Istanbul and Turkey’s Erdogan impatient to start slaughter of Kurdish led … Continue reading →
Who Are The Kurds? Largest Stateless Ethnic Group; Indigenous To Modern Turkey, NE Syria, Iraq, Iran & Armenia; Anti-ISIS Fighters Betrayed By Trump
The 1920 Treaty of Sevres promised Kurdistan for the Kurds, but the promise was never fulfilled. After they have proved … Continue reading →
Sorry BBC. The world isn’t interested in the West’s groupthink obsession with global warming
By Paul Homewood Booker’s piece is on Katowice today: With the arrival of the season of goodwill, it would obviously not be appropriate to touch on the ever more dismaying shambles we are making of Brexit. But last week also saw what, in global terms, was a much more important event, the real historical […]
Update:Gilet Jaunes/Yellow Vest Protests Continue
*Gallier2 left us some updates- check the links. * *Including exposing Kim Kardashian's leading from behind role in the protests ;) * gallier2December 22, 2018 at 3:10 PM Argh. Just lost a half an hour comment that I was writing about todays gilet jaune gathering. So I will make it short then as I don't have the mood to start anew. So today was act 6 of the gilet jaune. Contrary to Castaners statement that there were only 800 gj in Paris, there was again a big gathering. The GJ were smarter this time as they made the police think they would go to Versailles (very posh town south wes... more »
Watch This B-2 Bomber Drop Two GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (Video)
*Business Insider/The Aviationist:* *Here's what it looks like when a B-2 stealth bomber drops massive 30,000-pound bunker busters on a target* * The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator is a 30,000-pound bunker buster said to be able to penetrate 200 feet of concrete before detonation. * In this video, viewers can see the stealth B-2 Spirit bomber drop two of these devastating weapons, among other activities. Last year we found rare footage of a Spirit stealth bomber dropping a GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator. Here's a clip showing a B-2 dropping two such bombs. As explained i... more »
"The Economic Road Ahead"
*"The Economic Road Ahead"* by Gary Christenson "*Those Who Make The Rules: *Rules help guide us through uncertainty. For perspective on Washington D.C. and Wall Street, we listen to wisdom and wit from Bill Bonner: “We look at the passing parade in Washington through a cynical lens. No situation is so hopeless, so absurd, or so disastrous that the feds can’t make it worse. No policy is too stupid, too counterproductive, or too corrupt that it can’t become the law of the land. And no man is too craven, too degenerate, or too much of an imbecile to be disqualified from public office... more »
Baby Jesus Would Have Been Killed Under Trump’s Wall Policy, Gutierrez Claims
[image: baby-jesus-would-have-been-killed-under-trump-s-wall-policy-gutierrez-claims] Every year liberals replace the the truth of the Christmas story — that Jesus entered the world to bring salvation — with their latest leftist agenda item. This year, U.S. Representative Luis Gutierrez pointed to the Holy Family's flight into Egypt to claim that a Trump Wall would have meant the killing of the Baby Jesus.
St. Augustine
“He was a daring, in-your-face iconoclast. A wild fornicator, he had many mistresses and a bastard son. A self-confessed thief who declared “the evil in me was foul, but I loved it.” St. Augustine, A.D. 398.” https://www.theepochtimes.com/augustines-good-and-evil_2741796.html
Venezuelan Navy Intercepts Exxon Oil Exploration Ship In Guyanese Waters
The Economist *Reuters*: *Venezuela navy confronts Exxon oil ship in Guyana border dispute* GEORGETOWN/CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela’s navy “intercepted” a ship exploring for oil on behalf of Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) in Guyanese waters over the weekend, neighboring Guyana’s foreign ministry said in a statement, while Venezuela said the incident occurred within its territory. The latest incident in a century-old border dispute comes after a series of offshore oil discoveries have given Guyana the potential to become one of Latin America’s largest producers. In OPEC member Venezuel... more »
The Psychological Warfare Behind Economic Collapse
By Brandon Smith The concept of using the economy as a weapon is not an alien one to most people. Generally, we understand the nature... more »
Before and After: What We Learned About the “Hemisphere” Program After Suing the DEA
By Dave Maass As the year draws to a close, so has EFF’s long-running Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the Drug Enforcement Agency about... more »
Wall St. and The Economy: "The Vomit Comet"
*"The Vomit Comet"* by Tim Knight "Years ago, people assumed I was really good in math, because I got mixed up in microcomputers starting in 1979. For some reason, people thought computer geeks were math wizards. I wasn't. I was a writer, as I am to this day. So metaphors, not math, are more my thing. A few days ago, one came to mind which struck me as particularly good, so I thought I would share it. So join me on a mental model which I think will help explain the past nine years. Imagine that you find yourself on the interior of an airplane. Its fuselage is largely empty, with m... more »
With U.S. Forces Preparing To Leave, Turkey Masses Troops Near Kurdish-Held Syrian Town
*Middle East Eye:* *Turkey bolsters troop levels near Kurdish areas of northern Syria* *Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vows to drive both YPG and IS from Syria* Turkey on Saturday sent military reinforcements to northern Syria near an area controlled by Kurdish forces as Ankara threatens to carry out a fresh offensive to wipe them out, a war monitor said. The move comes after US President Donald Trump's surprise announcement on Wednesday of the withdrawal of American troops stationed in northeastern Syria alongside Kurdish fighters, a long-time enemy of Turkey. *Read more... more »
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