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MAGAnomics: Mastercard Releases First Tabulated Holiday Sales Report With Whopping 5.1% Increase
As CTH anticipated the first tabulated holiday sales report via Mastercard® shows the results of a very strong consumer confidence level. The first report highlights a very strong 5.1% increase in holiday purchases: “Wall Street is running around like a … Continue reading →
Christmas Day family event ends with son shooting mother in head with nail gun
A 20-year-old man is charged with attempted murder after shooting his mother in the head several times with a nail gun during a Christmas celebration.
Passengers rescued as boat catches fire off Rottnest Island
Just In - 34 minutes ago
Up to six people are rescued after their boat is engulfed in flames in waters off Rottnest Island, near Perth.
'I didn't know any better': Bancroft reveals Warner's role in ball-tampering scandal
Just In - 34 minutes ago
Cameron Bancroft says he felt pressured to "fit in" and help his team when David Warner asked him to tamper with the ball in the infamous sandpaper incident in Cape Town.
Egyptians mock President's demand they lose weight
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Egypt has the world's highest rate of obesity, but the President's comments have not landed well, with many people pointing out the country's inequities when it comes to fresh food.
Nikkei index in Japan declines by 5% in one day: long shadow of America
Nikkei index in Japan declines by 5% in one day: The long shadow of America Noriko Watanabe and Sawako Uchida Modern Tokyo Times The Nikkei index in Japan fell by 5% based on mainly external factors. Despite this, if the internal fundamentals were sound then irrespective of events in America the fall would have been […]
No More “Bread And Water” Punishment In The U.S. Navy
*Maritime Executive*:* U.S. Navy: No More “Bread and Water” Punishment * Changes to the U.S. Navy's Uniform Code of Military Justice from January 1 will mean that sailors can no longer be fed bread and water as a non-judicial punishment for minor offenses on board. The New York Times notes that, in it's current form, the practice is limited to a maximum of three days, but in years gone by, it could have been up to 30 days and was used as a more humane punishment than flogging. Congress outlawed flogging in 1862, but naval commanders could still call for a sailor to be shackled whil... more »
Reckless Gamble for Profit that Placed Indian Cotton Farmers in Corporate Noose
Countercurrents, CounterPunch, RINF, Global Research, OffGuardian, Dissident Voice The dubious performance (failure) of genetically engineered Bt cotton, officially India’s only GM crop, should serve as a warning as the push within the country to adopt GM across a wide range of food crops continues. This article provides an outline of some key reports and papers that have appeared in the last few years on Bt cotton in India. In a paper that appeared in December 2018 in the journal Current Science, P.C. Kesavan and M.S. Swaminathan cited research findings to support the view that ... more »
Christmas Album
Some of my favorite Arizona photos from the last two days. Nesting cactus wren in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Nesting herons on Oak Creek, almost directly above where I lived 30 years ago. I was teaching high school science/math and … Continue reading →
Stealth No More?: China Claims It Can Track U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors
*Dave Majumdar* *Security, Asia* Is Beijing lying? *Fact: "Even combat-configured F-22s are not invisible to enemy radar, contrary to popular belief. Neither is any other tactical fighter-sized stealth aircraft with empennage surfaces such as tailfins—the F-35, PAK-FA, J-20 or J-31. That’s just basic physics."* *State-run Chinese media* is claiming that the People’s Liberation Army has been able to track the U.S. Air Force’s Lockheed Martin *F-22 Raptor* stealth fighters over the East China Sea. While the Chinese report might be easily dismissed as propaganda—it is not beyond t... more »
How to Shoot Down an F-22 or F-35 Stealth Fighter
*Dave Majumdar* *Security, * Is this possible or just fake news? *Can it be done? We take a look...* The United States has poured ten of billions of dollars into developing fifth-generation stealth fighters such as the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. However, relatively simple signal processing enhancements, combined with a missile with a large warhead and its own terminal guidance system, could potentially allow low-frequency radars and such weapons systems to target and fire on the latest generation U.S. *aircraft.* It is a well-known fact within P... more »
Will China's Air Force Be Deadlier Than America's in 2030?
*Dave Majumdar* *Security, Asia* The trends are scary--that much is certain. *Key point: “[China] will have a lot of technology that’s better than the stuff we’ve had before,” Welsh said. “And the Russians are doing the same thing.”* China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) will be able to match or exceed the United States Air Force in the number of fielded combat aircraft by 2030. Moreover, while American forces will still maintain an edge, the technological gap between the two great powers will have closed significantly between now and then. (This first appeared ba... more »
A Permanent Home for Eurasia-Wide Dialogue
*Yerzhan Saltybayev* *Security, Europe* [image: Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz attends a news conference after the ASEM leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium October 19, 2018. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir] A Eurasian-continent-wide dialogue is needed to synchronize the efforts of Europe and Asia—a forum where the two sides can come together and exchange visions on common issues. For centuries, Europe and Asia have been considered separate worlds, with little credence given to the idea of Eurasia being a single continent. But in an era of globalization, jets have slashed the time bet... more »
‘Rethinking’ Nehru for a Rising India
*John Hemmings* *Security, Asia* [image: Indian Navy soldiers watch Sea King Mk 42 ASW helicopters during the rehearsal ahead of Navy Day celebrations in Mumbai, India, December 3, 2018. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas] India must adjust its foreign policy to evolving geopolitical realities. The shape of Asia is rapidly changing. Even debates about how to describe the region reveal a number of geostrategic fault lines. Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Maritime Silk Road (MSR) is increasingly contrasted with the Indo-Japanese construct of the Indo-Pacific region. Question... more »
Why Japan Turned Against the Paris Peace Treaty, and Why It Matters
*Peter Harris* *Security, Asia* [image: Reuters] Why did the Versailles conference fail to produce an enduring peace settlement? And what are the lessons for contemporary and future international politics? Next month will mark one hundred years since world leaders assembled in Paris to bring about a formal end to World War I and plan for the reconstruction of the international political system. As we now know, they failed in their efforts to establish a lasting peace between the world’s major powers. But why did the Versailles conference fail to produce an enduring peace settlem... more »
Tom Mattis Says His Brother Has 'No Anger' That The President Forced Him Out Early
U.S. Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis speaks to reporters at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Nov. 21, 2018. DoD Photo *Task & Purpose/Seattle Times*: *Mattis Has ‘No Anger’ After Trump Forces Him Out Early, Brother Says * Tom Mattis got a phone call Sunday morning from his younger brother. It wasn’t the cheeriest of conversations. His brother, Jim Mattis, had just learned that President Donald Trump wanted him to leave his post as defense secretary on Jan. 1, rather than continue on until a planned resignation on Feb. 28. Jim Mattis appeared unruffled by this latest developm... more »
Australian Daily Electrical Power Generation Data – Saturday 22nd 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 […]
Japan Government to restart commercial whaling
Frustrated with the deadlock between pro- and anti-whaling nations at the International Whaling Commission, the Japanese Government confirms it will exit the organisation and restart commercial whaling in July.
Man shot after allegedly lunging at NSW police with knife
Just In - 2 hours ago
Police say they went to an address at Grafton, in northern NSW, to check on a man's welfare before a 36-year-old lunged at officers with a knife.
Donald Trump holds out for border wall, attempts to blame Democrats for shutdown
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The US President says the government will stay closed until Democrats meet his demands to fund his long-promised wall at the US-Mexico border.
Live: Battle of the super maxis for the 74th Sydney to Hobart
Can Comanche go back-to-back for line honours or will Wild Oats XI have revenge for last year's controversial conclusion to the Sydney to Hobart? Follow day one of the blue water classic in our live blog.
The nation that makes a point of honouring its veterans is struggling to build a WWI memorial
The major wars that shaped the US are honoured with memorials in the national mall in Washington DC but millions more dollars are needed to fund one for those who fought in World War I.
Israeli war planes attack Damascus arms depot and other targets, Syrian state media claims
Just In - 2 hours ago
Israeli war planes have attacked multiple targets near Damascus, firing missiles that injured three Syrian soldiers, Syrian state media quoted a military source as saying.
Iraq's Government Makes Christmas Day An Official Holiday Across Iraq
Iraq - a 95 per cent Muslim country - has made Christmas Day a nationwide holiday for all *Daily Mail:* *Iraq makes Christmas Day an official nationwide holiday to mark 'the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ'* * The Iraqi cabinet has approved an amendment to the national holidays law * It makes December 25 a public holiday for everyone, not just Christians as before * Iraq's population is 95 per cent Muslim and there are around 300,000 Christians Iraq has made Christmas Day a national holiday, its government confirmed this morning. The Iraqi Cabinet approved an amendment to ... more »
"Why I'm Hopeful"
*"Why I'm Hopeful"* by Charles Hugh Smith "Readers often ask me to post something hopeful, and I understand why: doom-and-gloom gets tiresome. Human beings need hope just as they need oxygen, and the destruction of the Status Quo via over-reach and internal contradictions doesn't leave much to be happy about. The most hopeful thing in my mind is that the Status Quo is devolving from its internal contradictions and excesses. It is a perverse, intensely destructive system with powerful incentives for predation, exploitation, fraud and complicity. A more humane, sustainable world lies... more »
US Says 2nd Guatemalan Child Dies in Immigration Custody
An 8-year-old boy from Guatemala died in government custody in New Mexico, U.S. immigration authorities said.
The end of the Little Ice Age
Reblogged from Euan Mearns’ Energy Matters: Posted on December 20, 2018 by Roger Andrews The Little Ice Age (LIA) was a recent and significant climate perturbation that may still be affecting the Earth’s climate, but nobody knows what caused it. In this post I look into the question of why it ended when it did, […]
UK Paper Claims Pause Never Happened
Originally posted on sunshine hours: The Daily Mail says: Global warming is WORSE than we thought because the famous ‘pause’ between 1995 and 2013 never happened, claim experts The UAH satellite data says otherwise. Of course there are many global temperature sets and most have eradicated the pause. But even the IPCC discussed “the pause”…
Concord and discord among Northern Hemisphere paleotemperature reconstructions from tree rings
Reblogged from Watts Up With That: charles the moderator / December 19, 2018 From Science Direct Scott St. George Jan Esper Department of Geography, Environment and Society, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA Department of Geography, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany Received 3 September 2018, Revised 8 November 2018, Accepted 9 November 2018, Available online 15 […]
Industrialised Murder: Indian Study Shows Wind Turbines Slaughter 75% of Local Raptors
Originally posted on STOP THESE THINGS: How green is this? Golden eagle ‘transitions’ to wind power. ? One issue that annoys RE zealots, like a burr under a frisky pony’s saddle blanket, is the wind industry’s rampant bird and bat slaughter. It’s an inconvenient truth to be sure. But, as with everything that the wind…
The Dryer Gets Wetter
Reblogged from Watts Up With That: Willis Eschenbach / December 25, 2018 Guest Post by Willis Eschenbach I keep reading that one of the things that we are already seeing (or that is predicted) is that the wet areas of the planet are getting wetter and the dry areas are getting dryer, viz: Expect the […]
We are ALL fixer uppers
As we stew over those extra holiday pounds and think of possible New Year’s resolutions, let me state the obvious. From one imperfect person to another, we are ALL fixer uppers. So, we could benefit from a few touch ups. … Continue reading →
Global Markets Plunged On Christmas Day
*Daily Mail:* *Japan's Nikkei hits 20-month low after Wall Street slide deepens amid concerns about a slowing global economy, the U.S.-Chinese tariff battle, another interest rate increase and continued government shutdown* * Japan's Nikkei drops 5 per cent as Wall Street slide deepens amid US concerns * Nikkei hits a 20-month low as blue chip companies unable to hold of the slide * Closed at 19,155.74 after hitting 19,117.96 - its lowest since late April last year * U.S. federal government shutdown over $5.7 billion of funding for border wall * Reports President Donald Trump di... more »
2018 In Review: The Paul Ryan Obituary, Homicidal Maniac With A Pen. The Whole World Is Watching, Part 6.
*by Noah* Speaker Paul "Crazy Eyes" Ryan, the pride of Janesville, Wisconsin, is almost Ex-Speaker Paul "Crazy Eyes" Ryan now. On the long list of Speakers of the House, Ryan's tainted name will forever linger towards the bottom of the Speaker quality list. The mystery should be how did such a profoundly unqualified person get as far as he did, but, then you look around him and it adds a perfect perspective. In a Washington World of Louie Gohmerts and other single digit IQ wonders, the man whose IQ breaks 70 is bound to be king, or at least Speaker. Ryan was just smart enough to ... more »
A Horrified Wall Street Reacts To The Mnuchin Massacre
Assuming Mnuchin is not a novice and stupid, he is, after all, an ex Goldman Sachs banker, what could possibly have made Mnuchin call the 6 CEOs (on 23 Dec Sunday) and have an (emergency) meeting on the 24 Dec with the Plunge Protection Team, and publicly announced all these? The simple answer may be […]
Wall Street Suffers Worst Christmas Eve Trading Day on Record
Wall Street Suffers Worst Christmas Eve Trading Day on Record by https://www.rt.com/ The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 650 points on Monday after Donald Trump renewed his attack on the Federal Reserve on Twitter. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has suffered its worst December on record. The losses add to last week’s low performance, in […]
First Move For The Economic Structure Change Has Been Initiated
X22Report Published on Dec 23, 2018 The first move has been made to get the people use to the idea that the Fed is to blame for the economy. It is being reported by the MSM that Trump is thinking about firing Powell, this is being done purpose so the people get use to the idea […]
There’s the Door! President Trump Discovers Secretary Mattis is a Mad Dog Globalist
TruNews Published on Dec 21, 2018 There’s the Door! President Trump Discovers Secretary Mattis is a Mad Dog Globalist Today on TruNews we analyze the true reasons behind the resignation of Defense Secretary “Mad Dog” Mattis and how his departure has thrown the global old world order into chaos. We also detail the latest in the […]
the need to magnetize the grand design
* I *urge then that all understand the need to magnetize the grand design of God for all parts of life….the Garden of Eden was a place where the beauty of communion with the Lord and the understanding of His Laws could be imparted to man….Lament not, for the Edenic School shall be reestablished in this day and age to fulfill the plan of paradise ere the golden age shall manifest. And it shall appear when enough alchemists of the Spirit unite in the common goal of bearing witness to the truth. -Roger Bacon by Gordon Ross,1941 -Saint Germain: * Pearls of Wisdom* 13:12 …………………………... more »
"The Worst Christmas Eve For The Stock Market EVER – The Dow Has Now Fallen More Than 5000 Points From The Peak"
*"The Worst Christmas Eve For The Stock Market EVER – * *The Dow Has Now Fallen More Than 5000 Points From The Peak"* by Michael Snyder "This is definitely not the gift that investors wanted for Christmas. On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 653 points as panic swept through Wall Street like wildfire. That represented a 2.9 percent daily decline, and that made it the worst Christmas Eve for the Dow ever recorded. Incredibly, the previous record had lasted for exactly 100 years. Normally the day before Christmas is a very, very quiet day on Wall Street, but right now ... more »
Iran President Presents Budget. Blames U.S. Sanctions For Hard Times
© REUTERS / President.ir/Handout *Reuters*: *Iranian president presents budget, says U.S. sanctions to hit growth* DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday presented a $47 billion state budget with increased spending on lower income groups, saying U.S. sanctions would affect people’s lives and economic growth but not bring the government to its knees. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran in May and reimposed sanctions on it, including on its vital oil industry. “America’s goal is to bring Iran’s Is... more »
Israel Attacks/Attacking Syria
*We just arrived back home and.... here is the latest* *Israel attacks Syria on Christmas Day. * *Round up of news stories:* * Link* *Syrian state television on Tuesday said it had opened fire on "enemy targets" and intercepted missiles targeting Damascus, the first such strike to target the Syrian capital since Nov. 29.* At the same time, Israel said it deployed its air defenses against a Syrian antiaircraft missile. *“An IDF aerial defense system activated in response to an anti-aircraft missile launched from Syria*,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. It did not e... more »
Pfizer Vice President blows the whistle: Reveals Dark Truth About Pharmaceutical Industry
https://realfarmacy.com/pfizer-whistleblower/ Advertisements
The perfect roast potato formula may have been created by a group of students.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/roast-potato-perfect-recipe-best-mathematical-formula-students-a8173901.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1545726001
22 Stunning Pictures Depict The Stages Of A Baby Developing Before It Is Born
http://www.thinkinghumanity.com/2018/08/22-stunning-pictures-depict-the-stages-of-a-baby-developing-before-it-is-born.html?m=1
Why Scientists Are Starting to Care About Cultures That Talk to Whales
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science/talking-to-whales-180968698/
New Study: People Who Swear, Stay Up Late, and Are Messy are More Intelligent
https://forum.facmedicine.com/threads/new-study-people-who-swear-stay-up-late-and-are-messy-are-more-intelligent.38405/
Night Shifts and Unhealthy Lifestyle Combine to Up Risk of Diabetes
https://forum.facmedicine.com/threads/night-shifts-and-unhealthy-lifestyle-combine-to-up-risk-of-diabetes.38097/
Stress, Sadness Really Can Break Your Heart
https://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20181217/stress-sadness-really-can-break-your-heart?ecd=soc_fb_181224_cons_news_brokenheartsyndrome&linkId=100000004416159
Fish skin is cheaper than bandages – and children relish looking like superhero Aquaman.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6526555/Fish-skin-cheaper-bandages-children-relish-looking-like-superhero-Aquaman.html?ito=social-facebook
Wearable Ultrasound Patch Tracks Blood Pressure
https://forum.facmedicine.com/threads/wearable-ultrasound-patch-tracks-blood-pressure.38402/
Israeli warplanes bomb Syrian military site in west Damascus (video)
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:10 A.M.) – The Israeli Air Force bombed a Syrian military installation in the western countryside of the Damascus Governorate this evening. According to a source from the Syrian military, the Israeli Air Force bombed a weapons depot inside the town of Qatana, causing significant damage to the site. The source said that […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Photos show cracks in Sydney's Opal Tower as Government launches investigation
The NSW Government orders a "comprehensive investigation" into the structural integrity of Sydney's Opal Tower after a severe crack in the 34-storey building forced a mass evacuation on Christmas Eve.
Meet the dogs keeping children on a tight leash, and changing lives in the process
Blake McKenzie has autism and used to bolt without warning when in open areas — but thanks to Poppy, his safety is now much more assured.
Shoppers flock to Adelaide's first suburban Boxing Day sales
Just In - 4 hours ago
Retailers are expecting a 3.7 per cent boost in sales across South Australia today as Boxing Day shoppers seek bargains in Adelaide's suburbs for the first time.
Live: India bats first with Aussie bowlers toiling on Boxing Day pitch
Pat Cummins earns the sole breakthrough of the morning session at the MCG as Australia and India begin the Boxing Day Test on a docile pitch with the series tied at 1-1. Follow all the action in our live blog.
Drone operator stops Christmas Day bushfire waterbombing on Bruny Island
Efforts to battle a Christmas Day bushfire which forced the evacuation of 150 people in southern Tasmania were halted by a drone flying in the airspace used by waterbombing aircraft.
Royal family all smiles as they join the Queen for Christmas church service
Just In - 4 hours ago
Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family meet with cheering crowds while attending a Christmas church service in Sandringham.
Hemp's not weed: The hurdle facing Queensland's growing food industry
Experts say Queensland's burgeoning hemp food industry is being hindered by negative connotations surrounding marijuana and cannabis, despite the two being vastly different.
Boom and MAGA Boom!!! Retail Sales Best in Years!!!
Progressives may have their Fake News working overtime, but the economy is the only news most American’s care about. It is hard for Fake News Articles to have much of an impact when people are so busy working and shopping. The really sad aspect of this story is that Progressives hate a President that has … Continue reading "Boom and MAGA Boom!!! Retail Sales Best in Years!!!"
Most People Read Rand and Orwell and Warnings, Some Read Them as Instruction Manuals
Huge scoop from @nytimes: “We orchestrated an elaborate ‘false flag’ operation that planted the idea that the Moore campaign was amplified on social media by a Russian botnet,” Democrat’s admit to using disinformation to influence the Alabama election… https://t.co/8Gu55d1LmP — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) December 20, 2018 NYT: Democrats Funded by Silicon Valley Copied ‘Russian Tactics’ … Continue reading "Most People Read Rand and Orwell and Warnings, Some Read Them as Instruction Manuals"
Israel Attacks Damascus on Christmas, SAA Air Defenses Intercept ‘Hostile Targets’ Over Capital
*21WIRE* | Israel is once again in violation of international law, as it violates both Lebanese airspace and Syria's sovereignty by launching another belligerent attack against Syria's capital city of Damascus.
The FBI and DOJ Were Working to Protect Hillary Clinton a Lot Longer Than Generally Discussed…
Arguably the biggest story of 2018 is how much we have learned about institutional political corruption within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). With that level of new knowledge in mind, some earlier stories … Continue reading →
Syria Accuses Israel Of Attacking Damascus
Reuters *Haaretz:* *Israel Says Missile Fired From Syria Intercepted; Reports of IDF Strikes Near Damascus* * Sound of loud explosions reported in Damascus * Iranian and Hezbollah arms depots reportedly targeted * Incident comes days after Netanyahu said may expand military action after U.S. pullout from Syria Syrian air defenses confronted "hostile targets" west of the capital city of Damascus, state media reported Tuesday. "The aggression originated from above the Lebanese territories and a number of hostile targets were downed," Syrian TV added. SANA state media reported tha... more »
The Poet: Rainer Maria Rilke, "Sunset"
*"Sunset"* "Slowly the west reaches for clothes of new colors which it passes to a row of ancient trees. You look, and soon these two worlds both leave you, one part climbs toward heaven, one sinks to earth, leaving you, not really belonging to either, not so helplessly dark as that house that is silent, not so unswervingly given to the eternal as that thing that turns to a star each night and climbs – leaving you (it is impossible to untangle the threads) your own life, timid and standing high and growing, so that, sometimes blocked in, sometimes reaching out, one moment your life is a s... more »
"There For All Of Us..."
"We are hurt; we are lonely; and we turn to music or words, and as compensation beyond all price we are given glimpses of the world on the other side of time and space. We all have glimpses of glory as children, and as we grow up we forget them, or are taught to think we made them up; they couldn't possibly have been real, because to most of us who are grown up, reality is like radium, and can be borne only in very small quantities. But we are meant to be real, and to see and recognize the real. We are all more than we know, and that wondrous reality, that wholeness, holiness, is t... more »
"May You Know Joy"
*"May You Know Joy"* by Robert Gore "Most of us have done something terribly wrong to another person. We realized it at the time or afterwards. For those with an intact conscience, there was overwhelming shame and a burning, seemingly inextinguishable guilt. Perhaps there was an admission, maybe to the victim, from whom forgiveness was asked. Perhaps there was only self-confession. If the shame overwhelmed and the guilt burned deeply, there may have been a redemptive pledge not to commit the same transgression and to improve a deficient character. No one caught in the throes of suc... more »
Merry Xmas to All
The usual Christmas repast, albeit a bit blurrier than usual. Pork loin, Charlene's Cheesy Potatoes, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, stuffing, gravy and black olives. (Not shown: A good Riesling Spätlese.). Oh, and this was one of my best presents this year: ...*Memento Mori*, the latest in the Ruso the Medicus series by my good Facebook pal, Ruth Downie. So, what did Santa bring you this year and what did you have for Xmas dinner?
President Humbug
Merry Christmas from the guy with no off switch pic.twitter.com/Zm1LUX7A0u — Arlen Parsa (@arlenparsa) December 25, 2018 I was raised on Christmas movies--movies where cruel and selfish people were transformed, where lonely people found love and friendship, where communities were moved to extraordinary acts of kindness and generosity, all because of the Christmas Spirit. It's all very corny and naive...but it's also kind of a nice idea. In word and in deed, Trump embodies the exact opposite of the Christmas Spirit. Donald Trump, answering phone call from 7-year-old on Christmas E... more »
Another neoliberal miracle
Talk to almost any academic, and you’ll hear nothing but negative opinions about neoliberalism. Meanwhile, out in the real world this ideology continues to improve the lives of billions of people, at a faster rate than at any other time in human history. Do you recall how the Soviet Union used to continually suffer from […] The post Another neoliberal miracle appeared first on Econlib.
Don't throw out your Christmas cards until you've read this
It turns out Christmas cards are not just a kind gesture, they can hold very valuable and significant details about history.
Libyan foreign ministry attacked by suicide bombers
Just In - 6 hours ago
Tripoli has labelled the attack an act of terrorism, calling on allies to partially lift an UN arms embargo to counter militant groups.
Passengers survive as hot air balloon catches fire over Yarra Valley
Just In - 6 hours ago
All 12 people on board a hot air balloon have walked away after it caught fire in the air over the Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne, and landed in a paddock.
Indonesian tsunami survivors hold Christmas vigil
Just In - 6 hours ago
As fallout from the the Indonesian tsunami continues, survivors have banded together to celebrate Christmas during this difficult time.
It's cyclone season in the Kimberley — perfect weather for storm chasing
Despite the heat and humidity, Broome storm chaser James Taylor would not want to be anywhere else but in the Kimberley at this time of the year.
Third Christmas drowning on beaches south-east of Melbourne
Just In - 6 hours ago
Following the deaths of a father and son on Christmas Eve at Victoria's Phillip Island, a man drowns while diving at Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula.
U.S. Continues To Launch Airstrikes In Syria
US Air Force A-10 Thundebolt-2 flys away from fuel boom suspended from US Air Force's KC-10 Extender after mid-air refueling support to Operation Inherent Resolve over Iraq and Syria air space, March 15, 2017. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed *CNN*:* US-led coalition strikes ISIS targets in Syria, 'several hundred' fighters 'removed'* The US-led combined joint task force fighting ISIS announced Tuesday that it continued airstrikes and coordinated attacks in Syria, days after President Donald Trump's decision to begin the withdrawal of US troops in the country. Operation Inherent Resolve ... more »
US Withdrawal From Syria Paves Way for Israeli Strikes
*Editor's Note: This article was written just before Israel carried out attacks on Syria on Christmas day. * *December 25, 2018* (Tony Cartalucci - NEO) - The US suddenly and unexpectedly announced the withdrawal of US troops from Syria after years of illegally occupying the country. The US presence aimed at ousting the Syrian government, boosting militant groups the US and its partners have armed and backed since the 2011 conflict started, and denying Damascus access to its own resources, particularly oil concentrated east of the Euphrates River. The US occupation of Syria is onl... more »
Artificial Intelligence And The Military
Wikipedia *Michael Horowitz and Casey Mahoney, War On The Rocks:* *Artificial Intelligence and the Military: Technology Is Only Half the Battle* What will advances in artificial intelligence (AI) mean for national security? This year in War on the Rocks, technical and non-technical experts with academic, military, and industry perspectives grappled with the promise and peril of AI in the military and defense realms. War on the Rocks articles discussed issues ranging from the different ways international competitors and military services are pursuing AI to the challenges AI applica... more »
Merry Christmas
A Christmas message (be sure to check out the mouse-over text).
Arctic Sea Ice Volume 23-Dec-2018
Originally posted on sunshine hours: ? From DMI
Sea Ice Extent (Global Antarctic and Arctic) – Day 358 – 2018
Originally posted on sunshine hours: South / North
In Election Cycles, Exposing Lies Matters... Or Does It?
A couple of nights ago, Rachel Maddow opened her show with a history lesson-- how Watergate Republicans in Congress slit their own throats by defending Nixon's cascade of lies. She starts with a little-known Indiana Republican congressman, David Dennis, elected in 1968 in what is now deep red IN-06 (represented today by Luke Messer, about to be replaced by Mike Pence's brother Greg who won the seat last month, 63.8% to 32.9%). Dennis served on the House Judiciary Committee, where he was a ferocious defender of Nixon-- until the "smocking gun" tape-- and was defeated in 1974 by De... more »
Why the Navy's Virginia-Class Submarine Is Nearly Unstoppable
*Dave Majumdar* *Security, * Constant upgrades are the key. *Key point: Overall, aside with the fact that the Navy simply needs more submarines to make up for a severe shortage in undersea assets, America’s silent service is in good condition from a technological standpoint.* The United States Navy might defer developing a new next-generation SSN(X) unless such a design holds the potential to provide a revolutionary leap over a modernized variant of the current *Virginia*-class attack submarine (SSN). *(This first appeared in late 2016.)* While the *Virginia*-class was develop... more »
The Psychedelic Origins of Christmas: Santa as the Shaman Who Used Magic Mushrooms
[image: santa] The origin of "Santa Claus" might have something to do with psychedelic mushrooms if we look at interpretations that pre-date Christianity. The post The Psychedelic Origins of Christmas: Santa as the Shaman Who Used Magic Mushrooms appeared first on The Free Thought Project.
FALSE: NASA Confirms 15 Days of Darkness in November 2015
Rumor: NASA has confirmed there will be 15 straight days of darkness in November 2015.
Russia ‘Starts’ Underwater Trial Of Strategic Nuclear Drone
*RT: **Poseidon in action: Russia ‘starts’ underwater trial of strategic nuclear drone * A Russian strategic drone propelled by a miniaturized nuclear reactor is undergoing underwater trials, according to reports. The weapon, called Poseidon, is slated to become a new class of the country’s nuclear deterrence. Poseidon, which was previously dubbed Status-6, was officially announced in March along with other upcoming weapon systems, meant to counter the development of anti-ballistic missile technologies by the US. It’s a long-range submersible drone capable of travelling at high s... more »
ISIS claims attack on former stronghold near Syrian border
Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack in the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar, the group said on its news agency Amaq on Tuesday. The attack on Tal Afar, a former IS stronghold, killed two people and wounded 11, Reuters reported, citing the Iraqi military. Tal Afar is about […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Rebels ready to lay down arms at Al-Tanf once US withdraws: report
Members of several Syrian opposition armed units are ready to lay down their arms and surrender to the Syrian army once US troops and their allies leave the Al-Tanf base in southeastern Syria, the Surya Al-An news portal reporters on Tuesday. According to the news portal, a large number of militants stationed in a 55-wide […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
US military establishes 2 new bases along Syrian border – report
BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:00 P.M.) – The U.S. military has established two new bases along the Iraqi-Syrian border, the Turkish state-owned Anadolu Agency reported on Tuesday. Citing an Iraqi official, the Anadolu Agency said the U.S. military established the two bases in the western countryside of the Al-Anbar. “The U.S. Army has established two new military […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Battle for Manbij allegedly postponed until Wednesday (video)
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:45 P.M.) – The battle for Manbij has been postponed until Wednesday after early reports from several rebel media accounts claimed that the operations started this evening. In the short video below, a reporter embedded with the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) near Manbij says that the operation has been posted and will […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Large Syrian Army convoy moves to east Deir Ezzor (video)
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:30 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) sent another large military convoy to the eastern countryside of the Deir Ezzor Governorate as they continue to buildup their forces in the Euphrates River Valley. According to a military communique on Tuesday, the Syrian Arab Army sent a large convoy from the eastern countryside […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Rebel group announces start of Manbij operation, NLF denies claim
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:10 P.M.) – The rebel group Ahrar Al-Sharqiyah announced late this afternoon that their forces had begun the long-awaited offensive to capture Manbij. In a statement through their official social media accounts, Ahrar Al-Sharqiyah said they have begun their assault to capture the town of Manbij from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Ex-NATO official believes Erdogan blackmailed Trump to get US to leave Syria
Donald Trump’s move to withdraw US troops from Syria prompts speculation on whether Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blackmailed his US counterpart into the decision, according to Wesley Clark, a former NATO commander. In an interview with CNN, Clark specifically singled out the lack of “any strategic rationale for the decision”, which he said prods […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Cold War marries European elegance with Hollywood polish
Just In - 8 hours ago
Pawel Pawlikowski's Poland-set period drama is a shimmering, seductive tale of turbulent romance tempered by time.
Screen-time arguments? Here's how to reduce family conflict around technology
You may or may not have just given your child a mobile or gaming device for Christmas. Either way, it's a good time to think about how technology will be used in your family this year.
Australians lose $200m a year by paying with cards over cash
Just In - 8 hours ago
As many of us head to the shops in search of bargains, what we're not thinking about are those extra fees that we may incur by using our debit or credit cards at the checkout.
Amazon on track to dominate Australian retail within seven years, despite a shaky start
Amazon didn't trigger a "retail apocalypse" in the last 12 months, but analysts say the online giant is still on track to disrupt the local retail landscape.
The Australian cricket season is a mess. There are three moves to fix it
Just In - 8 hours ago
It is overcrowded, but without any rhythm or regularity, and domestic cricket has all but disappeared from public visibility. We should divide the summer into three, writes Rodney Tiffen.
How superhero films are replacing religion in teaching us how to live
From Aquaman to The Avengers, superhero films give us moral teachings and Messiah-like figures with a side of butt-kicking action.
Boy, 8, becomes second child to die in US immigration custody this month
Just In - 8 hours ago
An 8-year-old boy from Guatemala has died in US Government custody early on Christmas Day, according to US immigration authorities, marking the second death of an immigrant child in detention this month.
The Russian Military Calendar Has Been Released
© Russian Defense Ministry *RT:* *‘Kremlin’s secret weapon’ featured in Russian army’s 2019 tongue-in-cheek calendar (PHOTOS) * With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, the Russian Defense Ministry showed its softer side by releasing a humorous 2019 calendar filled with lighthearted puns and double entendres. The Russian military is known for making jokes on occasion and inventing some truly colorful names for its war machinery. The newly-released 2019 calendar seemingly sticks with that trend, giving a new spin on the holiday spirit. Each month contains a picture of military... more »
President Trump and First Lady Melania Deliver a White House Christmas Message…
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump deliver their Christmas holiday message from the White House. .
President Trump Participates in Christmas Call To Military….
Earlier today President Donald Trump participated in a Christmas call to service members stationed at remote sites worldwide thanking them for their service to our Nation. The participants were units from all five branches of the Armed Forces: •Army – … Continue reading →
Which One Do You Think Outrages Progressives? Compare and Contrast
The selective moral outrage defines the hypocritical sanctimonious Progressive Left. They stand for no principle other than gaining power. Please Like, Share, Subscribe, Re-Blog and Comment Advertisements
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