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MJBizCon 2019: Marijuana professionals offer up business insights on vaping crisis, M&A, retail best practices & more
LAS VEGAS – Cannabis experts took to the MJBizCon stage this week to share marijuana business know-how and best practices, touching on everything from the vaping epidemic to corporate integration challenges surrounding M&As to the future of marijuana retail and more. Rebounding from the vaping epidemic What can legal marijuana vape manufacturers and retailers do […] MJBizCon 2019: Marijuana professionals offer up business insights on vaping crisis, M&A, retail best practices & more is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepr... more »
Gotham City Digest: Impeachment Day/Friday the 13th edition
(Fixed it.) ------------------------------ Of all our 50 states, the one I hold in the lowest esteem is Mississippi. I lived in that pit for a mercifully brief time 30 years ago. Trust me, nothing much has changed since the Civil War and this story from 1927 in which they used black bodies as sandbags is a case in point. ------------------------------ Shut up, Newt. You are a writhing pus bag of hypocrisies. The GOP passed articles of impeachment while Clinton was lighting the White House Xmas tree. ------------------------------ OK, THAT could've gone better. How embar... more »
Did UK Politician Diane Abbott Wear Mismatched Shoes in Elex Day Photos?
The prominent Labour Party MP appeared to have an unusual wardrobe malfunction in December 2019.
King-size Stupid
From The Wonk Room at THINK PROGRESS: Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti this week, many activists and politicians have heightened the cry for granting undocumented Haitians in the U.S. Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS is a longstanding cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy that is afforded to undocumented immigrants from a small number of federally-designated […]
World News Briefs -- December 13, 2019 (Evening Edition)
*Reuters: **Trump at brink of impeachment as U.S. House committee approves charges* WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday took Republican President Donald Trump to the brink of impeachment by approving two charges against him over his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden. A badly divided House Judiciary Committee voted 23-17 along party lines to approve articles of impeachment charging Trump with both abusing the power of his office over the Ukraine scandal and obstructing House Democrats’ attem... more »
One teenage boy dead, another in hospital in double stabbing on the Gold Coast
Just In - 6 hours ago
One 17-year-old boy dies and another remains in hospital after a double stabbing at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast last night.
If you don't get why people like cricket, last night in Perth is a good place to start
For fans of Test cricket, explaining why we like cricket is not always easy, but the first half-hour under lights as Australia were running rampant against New Zealand's world-class batsmen is about as good as it gets, writes Geoff Lemon.
The what-if moments that are haunting the Claremont serial killings trial
The fateful decisions unwittingly made by three young women on the nights they vanished, and the chances missed to report suspicious events, are exposed at the trial of Bradley Edwards for the so-called Claremont serial killings.
Garrett and Leon are relishing parenthood, but only after giving up on their surrogacy dream
There were celebrations in the WA Parliament this week with the passage of euthanasia laws, but for those hoping for other legislative reform in 2019 it only marked the passing of another parliamentary year without the change they desperately hoped for.
'Abandonment event' sees thousands of baby bats left for dead in NSW
Baby bats are being left for dead by their mothers in their thousands on the New South Wales coast in an 'abandonment event' as drought and bushfire remove crucial vegetation for the keystone species.
'Saturated' with technology: Why parents are paying for their kids to play outside
Just In - 6 hours ago
Australian parents fed up with screen time and indoor playgrounds are turning to a growing number of so-called forest schools to encourage their children to play outside.
The 'sledgehammer tax': Drought-hit businesses call for payroll tax exemption
Drought and bushfires are hitting the NSW Government's bottom line and regional businesses are demanding the state start pulling economic levers to save jobs and towns.
How one beloved video store defies the streaming era to keep thriving after 40 years
Defying the trend of video shops closing their doors, one store in Thirroul, the longest-serving business in town, has survived for almost 40 years. The owners share their secrets of success.
'My lungs are compromised': Adelaide resident shocked by asbestos removal during NBN rollout
An Adelaide resident is left shocked as contractors for NBN Co start removing asbestos outside her home without warning, weeks after a similar incident in WA.
A car crash turned her world upside down, but now Rosie's following a dream
Rosie Attard was driving to her final Year 12 assembly when she swerved to avoid an animal and crashed. She suffered a spinal cord injury and has since become an early childhood educator.
Young Aboriginal leaders demand change to end 'never-ending cycle' of suicide
They have some of the highest rates of suicide in the world but young leaders in the Kimberley say they will no longer accept its "normalisation".
While the rest of Australia is sweltering, this state will be spared (mostly)
The same wind system that could push Australia's mainland states into record territory will have an entirely different affect on Tasmania.
'Give us the people we need': Farmers want an agriculture visa to grow the nation's crops
Farmers say an advisory committee looking into a national agricultural workforce does not go far enough to solve labour needs.
Donald Trump and Chinese officials announce 'phase one' deal to roll back tariffs
Just In - 6 hours ago
US President Donald Trump and Chinese officials say they have agreed to a "phase one" trade deal that included cutting tariffs on Chinese goods.
Low on water and terrified of bushfires, this town outside Canberra is desperate for a solution
Tharwa is just 45 minutes from Canberra but residents must dig to ease their water supply in the nearby Murrumbidgee River, which is at its driest in 20 years.
Trump on brink of impeachment after Judiciary Committee approves charges
Just In - 6 hours ago
The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives is expected to approve the two articles of impeachment next week, before politicians depart for the holidays.
It took eight years to build but light rail is finally gliding through Sydney again
It's been defined by budget blow-outs, business closures, and major disruption but the people of Sydney can finally decide if the wait was worth it as the CBD light rail is officially open for business.
Don't be afraid to ask your kids curly questions. Their answers might surprise you
Just In - 6 hours ago
We don't give children enough credit for being able to handle questions that adults might think are too dark or hard for them says the team behind the award-winning ABC podcast Short and Curly.
Sanders Retracts Endorsement in US House Race after Backlash
Bernie Sanders retracted his endorsement for online news personality Cenk Uygur in a California congressional race after coming under fire from supporters for backing someone who had made demeaning and controversial comments about women, Muslims, and African Americans.
The Working Class Politics of Brexit
Last night was a disaster. The exit poll was a pit that swallowed all our hopes, and it didn't get any better as the night wore on. Collectively, we're numb. And angry, very angry. It's tempting to point fingers at the media, at the scabs in our own party, the person of Jeremy Corbyn, and the character of the campaign itself. And each had their own part to play and will get the analytical treatment here, in due course. However, possessing more efficacy than everything else, it was Brexit that did the heavy lifting for the Tories. Despite our best efforts and, at times, its crowding... more »
Supreme Court Will Take Up Trump Financial Records and Tax Cases – Consolidated All Cases and Granted Writ…
Big Win For President Trump ! As we expected the Supreme Court has granted the petition for a writ of certiorari and will hear cases related to attempts to gain President Trump financial records and tax filings. The Supreme Court … Continue reading →
As Its Economy Worsens, Zimbabwe Teeters on the Edge of Chaos
*Stratfor Worldview* *Economics, Africa* [image: Reuters] Not again. After a trying 2019, 2020 looks to be no better for Zimbabwe as a foreign currency shortage continues to ravage its import-reliant economy. Fuel and food shortages spurred angry protests that ended in a violent security crackdown in January 2019. Ever since, President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration has tried to address Zimbabwe's systemic economic weaknesses by floating and reshaping its currency and restricting the use of the U.S. dollar — but to no avail. Desperate for revenue, the government is also no... more »
A Big Deal: South Korea Confirms U.S. North Korean Envoy Will Visit on December 15
*Stratfor Worldview* *Security, Asia* [image: Reuters] A last-minute deal with Pyongyang? What Happened: U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun will travel to South Korea on Dec. 15 for a three-day visit, South Korea's Foreign Ministry confirmed Dec. 13. However, Seoul didn't confirm whether Biegun would visit the Demilitarized Zone during his trip. Why It Matters: Biegun's visit to South Korea opens up the slight possibility of reaching an understanding with North Korea that would pave the way for the continuation of talks to avert a breakdown. Background: ... more »
Meet the 5 Best Battleships and Aircraft Carriers in History
*TNI Staff* *History, World* War! What is it good for? Really big ships! *Key point:* Comparing ships is like comparing apples and oranges, but there are some standards. For decades, the world’s great powers built countless battleships, not only as a way to win the modern naval battles of the time, but to demonstrate their nation's technical and naval capabilities on the grandest of scales. While the era of the battleship is over, *talk still pops up every now and again about a return from retirement*, with America’s *Iowa-Class* battleships being brought back into service--well... more »
Senado mexicano aprobó modificaciones al TLC con EU y Canadá
bilaterals.org - 7 hours ago
13-Dec-2019 Casi por unanimidad, con 107 votos a favor y solo uno en contra, el Senado mexicano ratificó el Protocolo Modificatorio del Tratado de Comercio México, Estados Unidos y Canadá (T-MEC)
España presenta anulación en arbitraje con Infrared en CIADI
bilaterals.org - 7 hours ago
13-Dec-2019 El pasado 5 de diciembre, la SecretarÃa General del Centro Internacional de Arreglo de Diferencias relativas a Inversiones (CIADI) registró la solicitud de Anulación por parte de España del laudo del arbitraje mantenido con la compañÃa británica Infrared.
Arbitraje Infinito Gold contra Costa Rica: precisiones necesarias, por Karima Sauma
bilaterals.org - 7 hours ago
13-Dec-2019 Karima Sauma, especialista en arbitraje internacional, asistente del árbitro internacional Rodrigo Oreamuno y directora ejecutiva del Centro Internacional de Conciliación y Arbitraje de AmCham Costa Rica.
Cosmic Ray Update
DECEMBER 13, 2019 / DR.TONY PHILLIPS Dec. 13, 2019: Something ironic is happening in Earth’s atmosphere. Solar activity is low–very low. Yet atmospheric radiation is heading in the opposite direction. Cosmic rays percolating through the air around us are at a 5 year… Continue reading →
2020 Liberal Lexicon (First Edition)
*"Political language...is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to givethe appearance of solidity to pure wind." -- George Orwell* Today we visit an old friend, *Matthew Noto @My Planet, My Rules*. Matthew sees the world with no filters and his always entertaining and humorous rants are both barrels, take no prisoners affairs. He has now issued the first installment of what will be a continuing project to identify and define ordinary words as they are used by today's so-called "liberal". All of these words have either been invented out of thin air, or ha... more »
Today's Headlines and Commentary
The Conservative Party won a large parliamentary majority in the United Kingdom elections on Thursday, bolstering Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s chances of successfully withdrawing from the European Union, according to the New York Times. The Scottish National Party gained more than a dozen seats, intensifying calls for another Scottish independence referendum. On Friday, the House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment against President Trump, one alleging that he abused his power and one that he obstructed Congress, reports the Times. The committee had paused p... more »
Democrats catching heat from their own constituents for impeachment fiasco
Regular American citizens are fed up with what Congress has been doing — even the Democrat constituents who voted these idiots into office are finally seeing the truth. Now some of Maxine Waters own words are biting these socialist idiots and being thrown back at them not just from “radical elements” any more but plain everyday Americans. Furious voters shout down pro-impeachment Democrat in tense town hall: ‘Let our votes count!’ BizPac Review Samantha Chang December 12, 2019 Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger of Virginia was trashed by her own constituents for supporting ... more »
Ep1134 How Did The Media Miss This Explosive Footnote in the IG Report?The Dan Bongino Show 12/13/19
Dan Bongino ~Liberals must be shaking in their boots, right now, as Dan is nailing ’em to the floor. I just hope Barr is paying attention…Enjoy the show…HEA
Whistleblower Named In MSM
Last night the New York Post Editorial Board published the name of the alleged Whistleblower, Eric Ciaramella. They scathingly excoriate Democrats in Congress, calling Adam Schiff a “liar” and glibly point out, “In a sign of how farcical this has become, Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) said his name as part of a series of names […] More The post Whistleblower Named In MSM appeared first on The Duran.
U.S. House Committee Votes Along Party Lines To Advance Trump Articles Of Impeachment To The full House
*Daily Mail:* *Donald Trump claims 'the people are DISGUSTED' and his fundraising is 'through the roof' as Democrats pass two articles of impeachment in just seven minutes and set up full House vote next week* * Donald Trump praised the fiery Republicans lawmakers who defended him during Thursday's marathon 14-hour impeachment hearing * Two articles passed on party-line votes of 23 to 17 * Impeachment articles are on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress * 'The unity & sheer brilliance of these Republican warriors, all of them, was a beautiful sight to see,' the president twee... more »
Former Spy Details Israel’s Main Motive Behind Epstein’s Sexual Blackmail Operation
MintPress speaks with Ari Ben-Menashe, a former Israeli spy who worked closely with Robert Maxwell, Ghislaine Maxwell’s father, as part of their work with Israeli military intelligence and had frequent encounters with Jeffrey Epstein. The post Former Spy Details Israel’s Main Motive Behind Epstein’s Sexual Blackmail Operation appeared first on MintPress News.
Brilliantly Played – President Trump and USTR Lighthizer Present “Phase One” U.S-China Trade Deal…
It is exactly as we thought it would be. There are multiple interests, nuances in details, a completely overlooked big picture, and the financial pundits are flummoxed. CTH has followed the granular details over several years. In advance of a … Continue reading →
"Banana Republic Money Debasement In America"
*"Banana Republic Money Debasement In America"* by MN Gordon "There are many falsehoods being perpetuated these days when it comes to money, financial markets, and the economy. But when you cut the chaff, three related facts remain: Uncle Sam needs your money. He needs a lot of your money. And he needs it bad! According to the Congressional Budget Office, the federal budget deficit for the first two months of fiscal year 2020 is $342 billion. This amounts to $36 billion more than the deficit recorded during the same period last year. At this rate, Washington’s going to add over $1 ... more »
Indo-Pacific Ocean warming is changing global rainfall patterns, say researchers
Originally posted on Tallbloke's Talkshop: It’s ‘according to a new study’ time again, as the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) goes under the microscope. Another causes and effects puzzle. New research by NOAA and a visiting scientist from India shows that warming of the Indo-Pacific Ocean is altering rainfall patterns from the tropics to the United…
Sea Ice Extent (Global Antarctic and Arctic) – Day 346 – 2019
Originally posted on sunshine hours: South / North
Dissenter Weekly Update: Boeing 737 Max Whistleblower, CPJ Says Assange Isn’t A Journalist
In this week’s “Dissenter Weekly Update” episode, we highlight the Boeing 737 MAX whistleblower, who testified before the House Transportation Committee. We highlight a whistleblower at Miami-Dade County jail, who was reportedly barred from talking to a Miami Herald reporter about brutality in the facility. Later in the episode, we The post Dissenter Weekly Update: Boeing 737 Max Whistleblower, CPJ Says Assange Isn’t A Journalist appeared first on Shadowproof.
Boris Johnson's Election Victory Is A Warning To U.S. Democrats That Their Politics Will Insure President Trump Winning The Presidency Again In 2020
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets US President Donald Trump for bilateral talks during the G7 summit in Biarritz, France on August 25, 2019 [Stefan Rousseau/Reuters] *Piers Morgan, Daily Mail*: *Boris Johnson's triumph proves democracy-denying radical socialists backed by self-righteous celebrities on Twitter are electoral poison – and if Democrats fall for the same delusion, Trump will decimate them in 2020* 'What an earthquake we have created!' cried a jubilant Boris Johnson after his stunning UK election triumph last night. Unusually, the British Prime Minister wasn'... more »
The American Retirement Nightmare
Megan Leonhardt of CNBC reports that according to one economist, the system is ‘flawed’ when most Americans have little or no retirement savings: It’s no secret that Americans are falling short when it comes to saving enough for retirement. But as a new report shows, many are disastrously unprepared — and that may point to flaws in the system. Progressive think tank the Economic Policy Institute found that *Americans 56 to 61 had a median balance of $21,000 in their 401(k) accounts in 2016*, which is the most up-to-date data on file. That total reflects almost 30 years of savings. ... more »
Libyan National Army shoots down Turkish drone south of Tripoli
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:30 P.M.) – The Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, announced this evening that their air defenses shot down a drone at the Ayn Zara axis, south of Tripoli. The Military Information Division of the LNA said in a press statement through its official page on Facebook that “the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Russian Navy transports new weapons and tanks to Syria: photos
BEIRUT, LEBANON (8:10 P.M.) – Several Russian ships are en route to Syria this week to deliver military equipment and armored vehicles to the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and their allies. According to the maritime observer Yoruk Isik, the Russian Navy has transited a number of ships through the Boshophus Strait as they make their […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
US never promised Kurds an autonomous state in Syria: Esper
The United States has never pledged to the Syrian Kurds that it will help them create an autonomous Kurdish state in Syria, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said on Friday. “We live up to our obligations, and our obligation, our agreement, our understanding with the Kurds was this, that we would work together to […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Turkish Foreign Ministry summons US ambassador over recognition of Armenian genocide
The Turkish Foreign Ministry has summoned US Ambassador David Satterfield over a US Senate resolution recognizing the 1915 Armenian genocide by the Ottoman Empire, a ministry source told TASS on Friday. “Our ministry has summoned US Ambassador David Satterfield over a resolution on the 1915 events. Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal informed him of our […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Turkish military uncovers large tunnel network in northern Syria: video
The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced on Friday that its forces have discovered new tunnels for “terrorists” in the area of Operation “Peace Spring” in northern Syria. Terör örgütü PKK/YPG'li teröristlerce Barış Pınarı Bölgesi’nde açılan ve halkın yaÅŸamını olumsuz etkileyen terör tünellerini tespit ve kapatma faaliyetleri ilk günden itibaren aralıksız devam ediyor. pic.twitter.com/uurgkiPRKR — T.C. […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
US and Israel are trying to take advantage of Lebanese protests: Nasrallah
BEIRUT, LEBANON (6:10 P.M.) – Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday that the United States and Israel are trying to take advantage of the demonstrations in Lebanon after they were unable to end the Resistance’s threat to Israel. In a televised speech, Sayyed Nasrallah pointed out that the Americans are interfering with any […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Large transfer of jihadists to southern Aleppo raises fears of new offensive
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:45 P.M.) – According to the Russian military, a large number of jihadists have been transferred to the southern countryside of the Aleppo Governorate recently, raising fears that a new offensive may be launched. The Russian military’s reconciliation center for warring parties reported that the jihadist rebels sent a large number of fighters, […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Watch: US tests new ballistic missile banned by INF treaty
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has posted a video of a recent test of the INF Treaty-banned US ground-based missile on his Twitter page where he also noted that it had taken less than nine months, instead of the usual two years, to go from concept to launch of the projectile. Esper claimed that work […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
IRGC commander warns US, Israeli interests will be ‘set on fire’ if they keep meddling in Iran
BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:30 P.M.) – The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami warned the US, UK, Israel, and other regional countries about the consequences of their meddlesome policies against Tehran, adding that they will see their interests on fire if they continue stirring sedition in Iran. “I tell you […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
Not Yummy-- Republican Stew
Recall when Lev and Igor were caught laundering Russian money into the Trump campaign and the campaign of dozens of Republicans in Congress? Yesterday, Christian Berthelson reported that Lev-- one of the Giuliani criminal associates was handed a million bucks from Putin in September "a month before he was charged with conspiring to funnel foreign money into U.S. political campaigns. The DOJ-- though obviously not William Barr-- is asking the courts to withdraw his bail and throw Lev in the clink, technically for understating his income and assets. Their filing with the court: "P... more »
Should Seniors be Getting the Flu Shot?
Earlier this year, an epidemiologist who has published over 30 articles in medical journals approached me with concerns about soaring death rates among seniors due to influenza. This scientist was concerned because a correlation was seen between the FDA approval of the Fluzone High-Dose flu vaccine for the elderly in 2009, and annual deaths recorded among seniors due to the flu. Knowing that his research cast a negative light on the high-dose flu vaccine for seniors, he knew that mainstream media sources would never publish his research, and turned to Health Impact News. We publish... more »
President Trump Press Availability Prior to Bilateral Meeting With President Abdo Benitez – Video and Transcript…
President Trump hosts a press availability prior to a bilateral meeting with President Abdo Benitez of Paraguay. [Video and Transcript Below] . [Transcript] – PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, thank you very much. It’s great to have the President of Paraguay here. … Continue reading →
Did Ben & Jerry’s Release a Latke-Batter-Flavored Ice Cream?
Ben & Jerry's has created dozens of unique ice cream flavors over the years.
Another U.S. Regime Change Operation May Be Taking Shape in Mexico
When it comes to Mexico, one can at this point easily spot the signs of a brewing U.S. regime change operation. Since Mexico’s president Andrés Manuel López Obrador was elected last year, he’s been thoroughly vilified by the U.S. media. After Brazil’s fascist president Jair Bolsonaro was elected, the Financial Times’ John Paul Rathbone even argued that Obrador is a greater threat to liberal democracy than Bolsonaro. Such views of Obrador have come from claims… The post Another U.S. Regime Change Operation May Be Taking Shape in Mexico appeared first on The Ghion Journal.
Why do people believe so many false claims?
*FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019What if they've heard nothing else?* Why do so many people believe so many things which aren't true? We're thinking of people within our own liberal tribe, not just of the nuts Over There. What explains so much false belief? Today, in The Atlantic's Book Briefing, Rosa Inocencio Smith offers this, early on: SMITH (12/13/19): [W]hile modern technology may have fostered the spread of misinformation, the social psychologists Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson write that *our tendency as humans to convince ourselves that we’re right no matter what the evidence s... more »
2019 Rice Harvest – My Home Turf
A report on the 2019 rice harvest from my home turf. Continue reading →
Wind turbines traumatizing animals as well as people
The same wind turbines that are causing reports of severe health harms to people around the world appear to be having a similar or more severe impact on dogs and other animals The post Wind turbines traumatizing animals as well as people appeared first on CFACT.
Police Chief Admits Anonymously Trolling Critic on Twitter
Burlington Police Chief Brandon del Pozo said that he took six weeks of medical leave to seek mental health treatment after telling his story to the mayor.
If Facebook Is Dealing with Deceptive ‘BL’ Network, It’s Not Working
Snopes’ reporting on the Epoch Times-linked media outlet The BL exposed widespread coordinated inauthentic behavior of foreign origin. Why does Facebook allow this abuse?
The perfect Christmas gift is something we all want more of
I've run out of time. I've not packed, I've not shopped, the plane leaves tomorrow morning, my brother in law will be waiting at the airport in British Columbia to pick us up, writes Virginia Trioli.
Australia's military history is full of myths. Here are four
Was Changi really a tropical hellhole? Did anti-war protesters actually spit on Vietnam veterans? And did the famed "Battle for Australia" even happen? We debunk four myths from Australian military history.
Police and kids transform abandoned supermarket to thriving PCYC youth zone
A large, abandoned supermarket in a regional town is transformed into a thriving hub for children with social and behavioural benefits, but police are assessing how it can continue after a rent-free period expires next month.
'He just wants to eat us for breakfast': The dangerous job of collecting crocodile eggs
As the wet season approaches, crocodile farms are carrying out one of their most dangerous jobs of the year.
Markus has the Bathurst postcode tattooed on his hand, but he's ready to cover it up
About 500,000 high school students will soon graduate and among them are 20 young people from a college for disadvantaged kids in regional New South Wales. They say the school was their "only chance".
Digger donations: Billionaire Chau Chak Wing donating millions to Australian veterans
While political parties have stopped accepting his money, Chau Chak Wing is being hailed as a "proud and generous Australian" for donating more than $2 million to charities that help veterans.
The remote, impoverished island sitting on a multi-billion-dollar gold mine
As Bougainville navigates a complex path to potential nationhood, it brings the mine that started a bloody conflict back to the forefront, writes Natalie Whiting.
Meet the 'orchid whisperer' saving native endangered orchids from extinction
Julie Radford is saving rare, endangered orchids from extinction, and the painstaking process that is required — from growing fungi, to pollinating flowers by hand — requires incredibly patience and care.
Opportunist, chameleon, showman or charlatan: what will Boris Johnson do next?
Boris Johnson's stunning victory tells us that a single issue with a catchy pitch can win the day. But his crash-or-crash-through mentality must end, writes Philip Williams.
Yes, Prime Minister, it is a national disaster and we need a frank discussion
Having lost control of the discussion about bushfires and what to do about them, there is little sign that Scott Morrison knows how to offer reassuring leadership, writes Laura Tingle.
Two words captured the mood of a nation on the brink — and they still apply today
Even before The Clash began recording they'd courted disaster when their roadie left the demo tapes for the album on a train station, writes Mark Bannerman.
'A sense of purpose': Ex-servicemen and women help veterans after bushfires
Ex-servicemen and women find purpose in helping veterans deal with the aftermath of bushfires.
Diamond and Silk – No Mercy…….
Diamond and Silk show Lindsey Graham no mercy. . . Rofl……the ladies are right………..GLOVES OFF. –Uriel–
A Roundup of News about Glyphosate 13 December 2019
13 December 2019 — The New Dark Age Argentina: Devastating consequences of GMO-based intensive ag on native amphibians https://www.gmwatch.org/en/news/latest-news/19263-argentina-devastating-consequences-of-gmo-based-intensive-ag-on-native-amphibians Why Good Nutrition Will Remain a Distant Dream Unless We Stop the Chemical Onslaught on Our Food from Farm to Plate https://colintodhunter.blogspot.com/2019/12/why-good-nutrition-will-remain-distant.html Glyphosate and Roundup Proven to Disrupt Gut Microbiome by Inhibiting Shikimate Pathway https://www.globalresearch.ca/glyphosate-round... more »
Missiles, Tanks and Fighter Jets: China Is Eyeing More Middle East Arms Sales
*Daniel J. Samet* *Security, Middle East* [image: Reuters] What does this mean for Washington? As the global chessboard shifts, China is planning its next moves in the Middle East. The consensus holds that Beijing will look to grow its robust economic relationship with the region while avoiding political and military engagement, though that strategy may prove unworkable. The Middle East’s complexities, some argue, render it impossible to keep economics and politics separate. In coming years, arms sales are one avenue for the Chinese to deepen their geopolitical investment in the ... more »
Commentaries And Analysis On The U.K. Election
*Elizabeth Piper, Reuters:* *How Boris Johnson's election gamble paid off* It was a straight forward message: “Get Brexit done.” The mantra of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party during the national election campaign was aimed at harnessing voter frustration at a parliamentary logjam over Britain’s exit from the European Union. It worked. *Read more* .... *Commentaries And Analysis On The U.K. Election* Election results 2019: Analysis in maps and charts -- BBC UK general election 2019: Who won and what happens now? -- BBC Losing Grimsby: Working-cl... more »
World Reaction To Yesterday's U.K. Election
*The Guardian:* *Trump leads global reaction to Tory win with trade deal offer* US president congratulates Boris Johnson on triumph that paves way for US-UK deal World leaders led by Donald Trump have congratulated Boris Johnson on his election victory, with the US president reiterating his belief that Britain and the US would now be free to strike a “massive” trade deal after Brexit. “Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN!” Trump tweeted. “This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU. Celebrate Boris!”... more »
Scotland's First Minister Says She Wants Another Referendum After Last Night's 'Overwhelming' SNP Election Victory
*BBC:* *Election results 2019: Nicola Sturgeon says PM has 'no right' to block Indyref2* Nicola Sturgeon says Boris Johnson has "no right" to stand in the way of another Scottish independence referendum after an "overwhelming" SNP election victory. Scotland's first minister said the result "renews, reinforces and strengthens" the mandate for Indyref2. During the campaign, the prime minister said he would reject any request to hold an independence referendum. But Ms Sturgeon said it was "the right of the people of Scotland". *Read more* .... *WNU Editor:* Prime Minister Johnso... more »
U.K. Labour Leader Corbyn Responds To Last Night's Electoral Defeat
*The Guardian:* *Jeremy Corbyn 'very sad' at election defeat but feels proud of manifesto* *The Labour leader is under pressure to step down but did not give a timetable for departure * Jeremy Corbyn has said he is very sad at the election result and suggested he will step down in the early part of next year, but insisted he has “pride in the manifesto”. The Labour leader gave a short statement in which he did not apologise to the 60 Labour MPs who lost their seats since its 2017 result or acknowledge any responsibility for the party suffering its worst result since 1935. *Read ... more »
When Betsy DeVos Tells You Who She Is, Listen
Yesterday, Erica Green did a masterful job of covering Betsy DeVos's appearance before the House Education Committee to defend her continued efforts to resist any sort of debt relief for students bilked by for-profit schools. The New York Times article isn't accessible to everybody, and that's too bad, because the hearings are a perfect little picture of what values drive DeVos through her work at USED. Green has caught some key quotes that let DeVos tell us who she is. We should listen. Because DeVos is rich, folks often accuse her of being greedy. I don't think that's true-- past ... more »
U.K. Prime Minister Johnson Outlines His Priorities After Winning Last Night's Election
*The Guardian:* *Boris Johnson pledges to prioritise NHS after election victory* *Prime minister wants ‘healing to begin’ after gamble on Brexit-focused election pays off* Boris Johnson has said he wants to “let the healing begin” over Brexit, pitching himself as the prime minister of a one-nation government after winning the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher. Speaking outside Downing Street, Johnson said the NHS would be his top priority in government, and that the country needed “a permanent break” from the issue of Brexit after three-and-a-half years of w... more »
CHAIT CHERRY-PICKS
If Jonathan Chait's headline had begun with the word "Some," it would have been an honest appraisal of progressive thought. Leaving out the word "Some," of course, made it much better clickbait: *American Leftists Believed Corbyn’s Inevitable Victory Would Be Their Model* *Which* American leftists? None I read regularly, one I see occasionally on TV. No one I know personally believed this. In the days before the British election, I saw some hopes for an indecisive vote and a hung Parliament -- I don't know anyone who thought Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party was on the verge of an elect... more »
U.K. Election Results -- News Roundup
*Daily Mail:* *'We WILL repay your trust': Boris Johnson urges Britain to find closure over Brexit and vows to work 'round the clock' to bring the divided country back together after his stunning election victory* * Boris Johnson has promised to 'heal' the country in speech on steps of Downing Street after election victory * The Prime Minister was met with wild applause and cheering from staff after returning from seeing the Queen * He is on course for a majority of 80 that will allow him to realise his dream of getting the UK out of the EU * Government expected to introd... more »
This Means War: How Iran Would Fight America
*Zachary Keck* *Security, * It wouldn't be pretty. *Key Point:* Iran is prepared to fight an asymmetrial war. With the possible exception of North Korea, no country in the post–Cold War era has sought to challenge the United States as much as Iran. From the Middle East to Central Asia to Latin America, Tehran has never missed an opportunity to antagonize the U.S. and limit its influence. This is an inherently risky strategy. Not only has the U.S. encircled Iran with military bases on all sides, but America’s military spending in recent years has been twice the size of Iran’s e... more »
The Evolution of China's Great Power Competition
*Nikolas K. Gvosdev* *Security, Asia* [image: Reuters] Key European and Asian allies and partners of America have embraced the language of “great power competition”—but still have divergent definitions, not only with Washington but with each other. “Great-power competition” was the central organizing principle of the just-concluded December 2019 sessions of the Loisach Group, the track 1.5 German-American security dialogue co-hosted by The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies’ and the Munich Security Conference. Yet while there was unanimous agreement that both... more »
Breaking Up with Britain: Why Mauritius Wants an Agreement with America
*Jagdish Koonjul* *Security, Eurasia* [image: Reuters] Mauritian political leaders are united in support of a strong, continued U.S. presence on Diego Garcia. The United States and Mauritius share a clear national interest—preserving the U.S. naval base on Diego Garcia, the largest island of the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The base is vital not only for U.S. security interests but for the stability and security of the entire Indo-Pacific region. Since 1966, the United States has leased the island from the United Kingdom. But British control over the Chagos Archipelag... more »
Does This Mean the End of the Mighty U.S. Marine Corps?
*Dan Goure* *Security, * According to the new Commandant, “the Marine Corps is not organized, trained, equipped, or postured to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving future operating environment.” In his *Commandant’s Planning Guidance*, Marine Corps General David Berger proposes the most radical redesign of the Marine Corps in more than half a century. According to the new Commandant, “the Marine Corps is not organized, trained, equipped, or postured to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving future operating environment.” General Berger declared his number one priority to ... more »
Trump’s Alleged Trade Deal with China Would Fix Nothing
*Daniel J. Ikenson* *Politics, Asia* The Trump administration may have reached another deal with China. Whiplashed followers of the on-again, off-again U.S.-China trade negotiations might want to tighten their neck braces this morning. In what has become a familiar pattern, yesterday the Trump administration was reported to have reached a “Phase 1” deal with Beijing to quell the trade war. Today, those reports are being called premature. The alleged terms of the alleged deal include the United States pulling the plug on tariffs tentatively scheduled to take effect this Sunday and... more »
The UK Election Should Serve as a Warning to Democrats
*Alex Berezow* *Politics, Europe* [image: Reuters] The Brits can envision a post-Brexit future; they cannot envision a post-capitalist one. The British general election dealt a devastating blow to the Labour Party. The Conservatives have won the largest majority in Parliament since Margaret Thatcher’s reelection in 1987. The Conservative prime minister, Boris Johnson, is a controversial figure with a penchant for self-aggrandizement, philandering, and telling flat-out lies. He has reshaped the Conservative Party in his image by purging dissent. He has a history of making racist ... more »
Why Nothing Can Stop the U.S. Dollar
*David Uren* *Economics, Americas* The dollar’s ascendency gives the US administration an unrivalled ability to exercise coercion by imposing economic sanctions. Chinese and European aspirations to weaken the dominance of the US dollar as the global currency of choice have come to naught, with the latest global survey showing the greenback is on one side of 88% of all foreign currency transactions, an 18-year high. The dollar’s ascendency gives the US administration an unrivalled ability to exercise coercion by imposing economic sanctions. A new report by the United States Studi... more »
When This Russian Submarine Sank 18,000 Feet, What Did Gorbachev Do?
*Michael Peck* *Security, Europe* [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_submarine_K-219#/media/File:K219-DN-SC-87-00808.JPEG] His response says a lot about Soviet priorities. *Key point: *The Soviets did not prioritize human life. If you're a sailor on a Russian submarine that sinks in the middle of the ocean, don't expect much sympathy from the Kremlin. Judging by the reaction of Soviet leaders to the accidental sinking of a Soviet nuclear missile sub 30 years ago, you'll be lucky if you're not shot by a firing squad. Just how hard-nosed the Kremlin can be is shown in ... more »
In impeachment spotlight, dueling views of professionalism appear
Michael J. Brown, Assistant Professor of History, Rochester Institute of Technology at Politics + Society – The Conversation - 9 hours ago
Public officials are now in the spotlight: Does the public view them as professionals, bound by duty, or as elites who invoke ideals while pursuing their own agendas?
We're still waiting for a trade deal that benefits working people
bilaterals.org - 10 hours ago
13-Dec-2019 The proposed replacement of NAFTA remains a tool for corporate interests and provides insufficient relief to address the problems for working people embedded in the original agreement.
World News Briefs -- December 13, 2019
*Reuters*: *'Brexit closure': Johnson wins commanding victory in UK election* LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on Friday for “closure” over the Brexit divisions that have riven the United Kingdom, saying his election victory provided an overwhelming mandate to take Britain out of the European Union on Jan. 31. Johnson, the face of the victorious “Leave” campaign in the 2016 referendum, fought the election under the slogan of “Get Brexit Done”, promising to end the deadlock and spend more on health, education and the police. *Read more *.... *MIDDLE EAST*... more »
Environmentalist calls Marc Morano ‘an evil person’ & a ‘bad-ass’ while urging overthrow of capitalism
MADRID, Spain — Climate Depot Note: Climate skeptics are not being well received here at the UN summit in Madrid. Famed Canadian Environmentalist David Suzuki — who had just declared that “Capitalism is at the heart of what is driving” climate and “we’ve got to throw the system out” shouted at me on December 10: ... Read moreEnvironmentalist calls Marc Morano ‘an evil person’ & a ‘bad-ass’ while urging overthrow of capitalism The post Environmentalist calls Marc Morano ‘an evil person’ & a ‘bad-ass’ while urging overthrow of capitalism appeared first on Ice Age Now.
"Two for One Holiday Special"
*"Two for One Holiday Special"* by Jim Kunstler "Hillary Clinton sure got her money’s worth with the Fusion GPS deal: it induced a three-year psychotic break in the body politic, destroyed the legitimacy of federal law enforcement, turned a once-proud, free, and rational press into an infernal engine of bad faith, and is finally leading her Democratic Party to an ignominious suicide. And the damage is far from complete. It’s even possible that Mrs. Clinton will return to personally escort the party over the cliff when, as is rumored lately, she jumps into the primary contest and sn... more »
Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn to Step Down After UK Election Catastrophe
Corbyn easily won his own seat, but many of his party members did not share the same fortune, as Labour’s heartlands were lost on a dark day for the British left. The post Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn to Step Down After UK Election Catastrophe appeared first on MintPress News.
Labour’s Brexit Strategy Backfires as UK Votes to Leave EU at Any Cost
While Labour hemorrhaged votes across the board, it was in “leave” constituencies the party faired the worst, where their vote share decreased by over ten percent on average. The post Labour’s Brexit Strategy Backfires as UK Votes to Leave EU at Any Cost appeared first on MintPress News.
Michael Jordan Opens Medical Clinic for People With Limited Resources
*Elias Marat* - Basketball superstar Michael Jordan is giving back to his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina by opening two medical clinics that he is personally funding.
Cancer and the New Biology of Water
*GMI REPORTER* - The "reason" nature chose water to play this fundamental role in our biology is that structured water has two unique and fundamental properties.
‘I’m still in shock’: Company awards employees with $10 million in bonuses
One CEO is going to be receiving a lot of thank-you notes this holiday. St. John Properties announced a surprise $10 million bonus for its 198 employees on Saturday at their annual holiday party in Baltimore, Maryland. The amount each person received was based on tenure, but the average bonus worked out to be roughly […] The post ‘I’m still in shock’: Company awards employees with $10 million in bonuses appeared first on Health Nut News.
ICE Deported Nearly 300K Illegals in Fiscal 2019
[image: ice-deported-nearly-300k-illegals-in-fiscal-2019] The Enforcement and Removal Operations bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported nearly 300,000 illegal aliens in fiscal 2019, the agency reported this week.
Democrat Jokes Trump Has Zelensky’s Teen Daughter Duct-taped in His Basement
[image: democrat-jokes-trump-has-zelensky-s-teen-daughter-duct-taped-in-basement] During the House Judiciary Committee’s impeachment debate on Thursday, Representative Hank Johnson joked about President Donald Trump keeping the 15-year-old daughter of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky duct-taped in his basement.
Fight "Climate Emergency" Narrative, or Lose the War
[image: marc-morano-fight-climate-emergency-narrative-or-lose-the-war] MADRID -- In this interview, Alex Newman speaks with the #1 most-cited Climate Skeptic (according to Nature Magazine), Marc Morano. Morano explains the UN's involvement and agenda behind the "climate emergency." He and Alex discuss our entanglement in the Paris Agreement and what the likelihood is of the U.S. getting out. Morano also explains how citizens can fight back against the "climate narrative."
U.K. General Election: Boris Johnson, Conservatives, and Brexit Claim Historic Victory
[image: u-k-general-election-boris-johnson-conservatives-and-brexit-claim-historic-victory] Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party won a historic victory in the United Kingdom's general election on Thursday. With the win and a huge Tory majority in the House of Commons, Johnson’s vision of Brexit seems assured.
2:00PM Water Cooler 12/13/2019
By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Trade Trade war: US and China said to agree on ‘phase one’ deal, with new US tariffs set aside South China Morning Post “In the absence of last-minute problems, the big impact for U.S. importers and exporters will be a more stable business environment as they prepare new orders for […]
Blue-Collar Character Actor Danny Aiello Has Died at Age 86
His breakthrough, ironically, was as the hapless lover dumped by Cher in Norman Jewison’s hit comedy “Moonstruck.”
"How It Really Is"
And, of course, *why* it really is... "The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a *$738 billion defense bill*, passed in a 377 to 48 vote on Wednesday, with 188 Democrats voting in favor and just 41 voting “nay.”
80 years of MiG fighters
The aircraft design bureau headed by Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich, which has gone down in history by the amalgamation of the first letters of their last names as MiG, was formed on December 8th, 1939 - 80 years ago, plus a few days. Today it's the "Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG" division of United Aircraft Corporation of Russia, and is still going strong. To celebrate the anniversary, the company produced this short video highlighting several of its most famous designs, from the MiG-1 and MiG-3 fighters of World War II, to the MiG-15 that terrorized Allied aircraft durin... more »
5 Heart Health Benefits of Going Carnivore
Whether you get the news from TV or by surfing the web, you are likely to come across a new diet recommendation. To me, it seems like every day there is another opinion on what we should and should not be eating. Vegan, Paleo, Keto, Pegan (vegan Paleo), plant-based, on and on and on. Plant-based … Continue reading "5 Heart Health Benefits of Going Carnivore" The post 5 Heart Health Benefits of Going Carnivore appeared first on TDW.
BC, Ontario see lowest cannabis sales per capita in first year of legalization
The two most important cannabis markets in Canada experienced the worst sales of adult-use products per capita in the first year of legalization, reflecting struggles of officials in those provinces to get a handle on the policy tools at their disposal to regulate the industry. From October 2018 through September 2019, British Columbia’s marijuana stores […] BC, Ontario see lowest cannabis sales per capita in first year of legalization is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
This op-ed shows what’s wrong with US foreign policy
Today, Ryan Crocker–career foreign service officer and former Ambassador to Iraq and Afghanistan–wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post criticizing its criticism of the Afghanistan war he oversaw. He pointed to progress made in Afghanistan, which is fair (and doesn’t necessarily contradict anything in the Post’s reporting), but generally did little to directly undermine worries […]
Should China Hawks Be Happy With Donald Trump's Trade Deals?
*James Pethokoukis* *economy, Asia* t looks like the United States has reached a “phase one” trade deal with China in principle pending President Trump’s approval. It looks like the United States has reached a “phase one” trade deal with China in principle pending President Trump’s approval. Presumably it will address Trump’s stated concerns about Chinese intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers, as well as trade deficits. Many Trump supporters will no doubt view the agreement as an important step in meeting China’s economic challenge. Washington is finally get... more »
Why Boris Johnson’s Victory and Impeachment Could Augur a Trump Triumph in 2020
*Jacob Heilbrunn* *Politics, Europe* [image: Reuters] Trump is chalking up wins with his trade deals and the GOP is holding firm on impeachment. Does Boris Johnson’s stunning triumph presage a victory for Donald Trump in November 2020? Johnson rolled the dice, defied the odds and hit the jackpot with the biggest Tory victory since 1987, which was the year when Margaret Thatcher rolled to victory for a third term in office. Johnson’s true hero isn’t the Iron Lady, however, but Winston Churchill. Churchill was the subject of Johnson’s most recent book, *The Churchill Factor: How On... more »
Report: The U.S. Navy Needs MQ-9 Reaper Drones
*Michael Peck* *Security, Americas* [image: Unmanned Aircraft] China, Russia and North Korea would hate that. This would give the Navy the unmanned eyes that it needs, according to a report by the Hudson Institute think tank. The problem is that while the Navy is developing long-range weapons, such as hypersonic boost-glide weapons and the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), it doesn’t have long-range drones to provide targeting information to aim those missiles, according to the report, titled “If You Can’t See ‘Em, You Can’t Shoot ‘Em.” “Without an actual ISR/T [intelligence... more »
Expert Q&A: Why a Hypersonic Vehicle Flight Test Ban Is Not a Good Idea
*Abel Olguin* *Technology, Americas* [image: Reuters] Here are the reasons. Hypersonic Vehicle (HV) development has been pursued since the late 1950s. These vehicles could significantly cut the cost of accessing space, lessen flight time anywhere on the planet to two to three hours, and be used as weapons that would be extremely difficult to intercept. Although considerable progress has been made, hypersonic flight remains in the development and testing phase. Why ban HV flight testing? Recently, concerns have been raised about continued HV flight tests and development becaus... more »
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