10 pm MST
Repo Madness Clown Show: NY Fed Announces More Repos Today, Balance Sheet Up $30 Billion in 1 Week!
WallStForMainSt The US Dollar has finally started to react more to these repo announcements (DOllar Index at 5 month lows) and the Fed’s official balance sheet increasing $30 billion in one week, $65 billion dollars in only 3 weeks and the Fed’s official balance sheet is now up $335.5 billion dollars since the end of …
Rob Kirby: No Country Wants To Be Left Holding Dollars
SilverDoctors Thanks for watching this Silver Doctors Interview. Share your thoughts below and make sure to click the subscribe button to join the Silver Doctors Community. Today’s guest, Rob Kirby, shares his thoughts on the economy and why he feels the world will be running from dollars in the next decade. During our discussion Rob …
Midnight Meme Of The Day!
*by Noah* When artist Maurizio Cattelan sold a banana duct taped to a Miami gallery wall for $120,000 last week, it not only made a lot of news, it has apparently inspired a lot of similar ideas. Hers's mine. Duct tape has many useful purposes!
Historical recall
Jeremy's not wrong: This sounds familiar. pic.twitter.com/aNz9mkSHbF — Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) December 13, 2019 It certainly does. It's the language of Churchill delivered by a Corbynite. (Lloyd Russell-Moyle, who won in Brighton Kemptown, albeit with a 7% swing against him). The demogogic body language and dramatic turning away from the crowd at the end though? As Ken Livingstone might say, do you know who else used body language like that while ranting?
The wheels on the bus go round and round
Also following on from a point made on the 'Pheeww!' thread, here's former MEP David Campbell Bannerman registering his reaction to this week's *Question Time* on BBC One: I watched BBC Question Time tonight in incredulity: what is point of rerunning all these failed arguments as if election & massive vote yesterday didn’t happen? Massive vote for Boris Johnson yet hardly any in audience pro Boris!? Isn’t period of reflection from BBC Politics better? Possibly, David, but business as usual is far more probable.
A (Twitter) discussion about HIGNFY
"No, no, no, by the hair on my chinny, chin, chins" Following discussion of it on the 'Pheeww!' thread by Anonymous, Charlies, MB and Arhur T, here's another exchange of views on the matter featuring the *Telegraph*'s Charlotte: *Charlotte Gill*: Ooh, it's Have I Got News for You. Have I Got News for Them...Brits are sick of smug liberals clogging up the airwaves! You're not funny. You are, however, incredibly helpful for Conservative wins. I can't believe HIGNFY is laying into the Tories. Even now! Have they learnt nothing? The majority of voters identify with Tories now. You ar... more »
Of the few not the many
Just to go back to a point raised here yesterday by MB and Arthur T, has the BBC has been shy about using the word 'landslide' to describe the Conservatives' victory in the general election? Well, using TV Eyes I've checked BBC TV and found 32 uses of the word 'landslide' by the BBC since the start of yesterday. On the bulk of BBC News, these have related to "the SNP landslide" in Scotland (or past landslides by Labour in 1997 or the SNP a few years back.) But...and this *was *surprising (well, to me anyhow)...I have found two BBC presenters who *did *use the word in connection wit... more »
“RTs are not endorsements”
Aha. I see that BBC home editor Mark Easton response to the results of the election is to re-tweet the following:
Ugly baby contest
Rob Watson, BBC World Service UK Political Correspondent, tweets: Final vote stats for General Election 2019 make clear it was more Labour that lost it than Conservatives who won it. Mr Johnson got just over 300,000 more votes than Mrs May in 2017 but Labour got 2.6 million fewer than they did in 2017. Ugly baby contest. Hmm. Boris achieved the second highest party vote at a general election in history - just short of 14m. Only John Major in 1992 got slightly more (just 126,442 more).
"Girls really are tougher"
That old smoothie, Andrew Marr, was paying the ladies a 'male feminist' compliment last night: Sitting knackered on the sofa at home, watching the amazing Sophie Raworth and Reeta C - and Laura K - still at it. Maximum respect. Girls really are tougher. He shouldn't have bothered. He's being called "patronising" and "sexist" (for using "girls" rather than "women"). Oh dear.
Musical Interlude: Neil H, “The Parting”
Neil H, “The Parting”
A Mined History: The Bougainville Referendum
It would be an understatement to claim that Bougainville, that blighted piece of autonomous territory in Papua New Guinea, had been through a lot. Companies have preyed upon its environment with extractive hunger. Wars and civil strife have beset its infrastructure and economy. Some 900 kilometres from the PNG mainland, […]
E-scooters — fast, cheap, more convenient than bike riding and illegal in most Australian states
Calls are mounting for new national laws to regulate e-scooters as sales increase, people flout the laws, and police turn a blind eye.
UN calls for Chilean police to be prosecuted over excessive violence against protesters
The United Nations says Chilean police and soldiers used excessive force on demonstrators, committing serious human rights violations including unlawful killings and torture that should be prosecuted.
NT Police arrest 20-year-old after stabbing in Darwin's outer suburbs
A 36-year-old woman is dead and a 39-year-old is in a stable condition at Royal Darwin Hospital after a stabbing in a suburb of Palmerston overnight.
Investigation launched after worker killed by fall from roof at Port Adelaide
Workplace safety authorities are investigating the death of a 51-year-old man who fell from a roof at a Port Adelaide business.
Patrick Reed's caddy admits to 'shoving' spectator at Presidents Cup
The caddy of the controversial US star says a fan at the Royal Melbourne golf course took the heckling too far, so he pushed him and exchanged a few expletives.
Thousands of pulsing 'penis fish' wash up on California beach
Beachgoers in Northern California are stunned by the sight of what looks like thousands of disembodied penises washing up on the shoreline.
Myer cash registers crash during peak Christmas shopping
Just 11 days out from Christmas, department store chain Myer suffered nationwide technical issues causing registers to restart in stores.
"Give A Little Chuckle.."
"Enjoy life, even in the most chaotic, hectic moments. Take time to breathe. Take time to consider what is important versus what is rubbish. Those are the times where slowing down is healthiest. Those are the times where it really counts. And, if you come across an impossible situation, crying will not help. Open your mouth, but instead of sobs and wails, give out a little chuckle. It'll make all the difference in your attitude and therefore, in your situation." - Leigh Hershkovich
How Many Bodyguards Go With Russian President Putin To The Bathroom?
*Daily Mail:* *From Russia With Loo-ve: Vladimir Putin is accompanied by SIX bodyguards while going to the BATHROOM during Ukraine peace talks at the Elysee Palace* * Russian leader, 67, was filmed leaving the bathroom in Paris's Elysee Palace * A total of six bodyguards crowded round him as he slowly exited the toilet * Putin appointed armed guard as delegation member so he could sit in on talks Vladimir Putin was spotted going to the toilet with six bodyguards while at a Ukraine summit in Paris. The Russian leader, 67, was filmed leaving the bathroom after five bodyguards m... more »
Deep Solar Minimum on the Verge of a Historic Milestone
Guest Blogger / 22 hours ago December 12, 2019 Guest post by Paul Dorian Daily observations of the number of sunspots since 1 January 1900 according to Solar Influences Data Analysis Center (SIDC). The thin blue line indicates the daily… Continue reading →
Study finds Toxoplasma common in Australian lamb meat
Australian researchers have detected Toxoplasma gondii in more than one third of sampled ground lamb. Toxoplasma is a parasite that causes inflammation of the retina, which is the nerve layer of the eye. Anyone may develop retinal inflammation after infection but it is more common and severe in babies, older adults and people with compromised immune... Continue Reading
Journalist Discovers Huge Russian Military Base On Border With Belarus (Doubled in Size in 1.5 Years)
If Belarus is absorbed by Russia, then Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia could be next, followed by the rest of Europe. … Continue reading →
Australian Daily Wind Power Generation Data – Friday 13th December 2019
By Anton Lang ~ This Post details the daily wind power generation 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 […]
CNN Contributor: ‘Fox News Is Now A Threat To National Security’
By Clay Waters ~ Wired magazine contributing editor Garrett Graff, who is also a CNN contributor, indulged in paranoia this week in “Fox News Is Now a Threat to National Security — The network’s furthering of lies from foreign adversaries and flagrant disregard for the truth have gotten downright dangerous.” Monday’s split-screen drama, as the […]
COP 25: Loss And Damage Inches On, But Is Toothless And Homeless
By David Wojick, Ph.D. ~ Loss and Damage (L&D) is the name of the hugely dangerous issue whereby developed countries would compensate the developing world for damages caused by things like bad weather and rising seas, in the name of climate change. It has been slowly inching forward at every COP. This time L&D made […]
The Several Meanings Of The Conservative Victory In The UK
By Lee Edwards ~ The socialist gamble in Great Britain failed miserably. That’s the main takeaway of the Labour Party’s stunning defeat Thursday in the British general election, with some polls suggesting it has won its fewest seats in Parliament since 1935. The socialists thought they could win a majority in Parliament by leaning far […]
Nuclear energy is far from sufficient for carbon neutrality
While Czech PM Babiš spoke self-confidently here in Czechia, he didn't achieve much in Brussels. He didn't really veto the insane EU gretin plans for carbon neutrality by 2050. Instead, along with Hungary, they agreed with these pledges – it was enough for the EU to promise that both Hungary and Czechia may maintain and expand nuclear power plants. Meanwhile, Poland was granted an exemption from the carbon neutrality push. Good for them. It shows that they have better negotiators; but carbon neutrality at the national level would clearly be an even greater shock for Poland than for ... more »
America Doesn't Need Its Own Air Force
*Robert Farley* *Security, Americas* [image: An American F16 aircraft is seen on the runway during] It's not as shocking as it sounds. *Key point:* A separate Air Force actually makes it harder for land, sea, and air forces to work together. With the Iraq War over and the fighting in Afghanistan winding down, why does the United States need to maintain two large land armies, the Army and Marine Corps? The question seems perfectly reasonable given the apparent absence of large terrestrial threats, but it leads us down the wrong path. The United States military is all about redund... more »
Russia's Biggest Enemy Isn't America
*Stratfor Worldview* *Economics, Russia* [image: Reuters] It's economic stagnation. In 2020, Russia's internal focus will be its economic performance, as President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party strives to avoid challengers in upcoming elections in 2021 and 2024. Under economic stagnation, limited purchasing power has threatened the living standards of the Russian electorate and risks invigorating political opposition. Russia has launched numerous initiatives to reignite its economic growth, but the country is under significant external pressure and facing internal bureaucr... more »
Three Deadly Tanks: China's Type 99, Russia's T-90, and America's M-1 Abrams
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Asia* [image: Russian servicemen are seen onboard a T-90 tank in a street before a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade in Moscow, Russia, April 29, 2015. Russia will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two on May 9.] Who would win? *Key point:* The Chinese defense industry can make a serious match for America and Russia's post-Cold War armor. China has a *lot* of tanks. Like, eight to nine *thousand* of them. Who *else* would bother to maintain such a ridiculous number? The United States. And Russia. (Note t... more »
Could Japan Beat China In A War?
*James Holmes* *Security, Asia* [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/CHINA-MILITARY-ANNIVERSARY-RC169B7F0150.html] Let us walk you through this counterfactual. *Key Point:* In any conflict with China, Japan would have to rely on massive American military support. Let's not understate the likelihood of war in East Asia or kid ourselves that the United States can remain aloof should China and Japan enter the lists. It's tough for Westerners to fathom the nature of the competition or the passions it stokes. From an intellectual standpoint, we have little trouble comprehend... more »
China Thinks Its Stealth Fighters Can Beat the F-35
*Michael Peck* *Security, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/CHINA-AIRSHOW--RC18660A96B0.html] Are they right? *Key Point:* American stealth fighters might be compromised. It’s not surprising that China claims that its J-20 stealth fighter is superior to the U.S. F-22 and F-35. All nations like to claim their weapons are better than those of their adversaries (and if they don’t, it’s because they want more money for the defense budget). But a Chinese defense magazine has gone a step further by describing how Chinese experts view the J-20 as superior to American j... more »
F-35s vs. North Korea: Who Wins?
*Charlie Gao* *Security, Asia* [image: A Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft is seen at the ILA Air Show in Berlin, Germany, April 25, 2018. REUTERS/Axel Schmidt] Would Kim really take these fighter jets on? *Key Point:* South Korea and America both use the F-35. It could be decisive in a second Korean War. The ROKAF, South Korea’s Air Force received their first F-35A fighter jets in April 2019. The ROKAF hopes to eventually buy forty F-35As and should have ten F-35As by the end of the year. But how do these aircraft fit into the ROKAF’s existing fleet of aircraft? What role could th... more »
YOUR CARTOONS: DECEMBER 14, 2019
More fruity art cartoons to follow. Democrat (((Impeachment anyone?))) Coup? Bodily waste has been used quite often in schlock art. Winter is setting in. Time to hibernate. Then a chap decided to do a little performance art and eat the banana. Imagine paying $120,000 for "the concept of a banana duct-taped to the wall". Would Leonardo or DaVinci be impressed? Would their wealthy Renaissance patrons pay such money for fine art? I think if that were presented to a Medici, he would pluck out the eyes of the artist and make him eat them. They did that ... more »
Tweets For Today
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said it was a 'solemn and sad day' after the House committee approved charges of abuse of power and obstruction against President Trump https://t.co/IGPGSQlyKu pic.twitter.com/8LcB2conIq — Reuters (@Reuters) December 14, 2019 Niger staged ceremonies for 71 troops killed in the biggest jihadist assault in the country's history https://t.co/5j8ZY1zZtC pic.twitter.com/9LGbgl6YqD — AFP news agency (@AFP) December 14, 2019 China marks the 82nd anniversary of Nanjing Massacre https://t.co/rXvhlD3G8i — Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) D... more »
This Simulator Shows The Devastating Consequences of Global Nuclear War
*VICE: **This Simulator Shows the Devastating Consequences of Global Nuclear War* Nuclear War Simulator, launching in 2020, lets the user design a plausible doomsday scenario and study the humanitarian impact. Just don't call it a "game." Full scale global nuclear war is hard to fathom. One nuclear launch could set off a chain of events that would radically alter life on the planet. Millions would die in the initial blasts and millions more would starve as the climate changed and our way of life withered. Just how are we supposed to reckon with the possibility of such wide-scale ... more »
December 14th – 2019 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day #1059
In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Donald Trump Administration and … Continue reading →
Monolopy in Science doesn't work!
Jo Nova Michelle Strong, a member of our *Australian Climate Sceptics Facebook group* recently posted to Facebook the 2013 interview between (Chris)*Topher Field* and *Joanne Nova*. Jo speaks of her own journey and how she went from being a 'veteran believer' in Global Warming to being the high-profile sceptic she is today. After rewatching the interview, the main point I gained from this.... Science needs it’s opposition. It’s just like in a legal case, it would be a sham trial if you didn’t have a prosecution and a defence; it’s just like in a free market, if you don’t have bu... more »
Picture Of The Day
Demonstrators pose for a picture near a bonfire at a blocked street during a protest against the government of Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, in Santiago, on December 06, 2019. - Thousands protested in Santiago Friday after 50 days of social crisis, the worst in 30 years, which has downturned local economy. © AFP 2019 / Claudio Reyes *WNU Editor:* The above picture is form this photo-gallery .... *This Week in Pictures: 7 - 13 December* (Sputnik)
Quote of the Day
Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river. ~Nikita Khrushchev~
Hillary Clinton is planning to run for Speaker of the House
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is planning to run for Congress in New York’s 17th district, sources familar with her thinking tell The Chronicle. Longtime Westchester County Rep. Nita Lowey, currently the Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, is retiring
Saturday December 14th – Open Thread
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those … Continue reading →
Are Afghan Forces Beating The Taliban In 2019?
Afghan Commandos from the 4th and 9th Special Operations Kandaks conducted a combined helicopter and ground assault raid in Bala Boluk district, Farah province, Afghanistan, May 24-25, 2018. (Sgt. Joe Conroy/Army) *Shawn Snow, Military Times:* *Are Afghan forces beating the Taliban in 2019? The Pentagon won’t say.* Another bloody year of fighting in Afghanistan is almost in the books as peace negotiations between the U.S. and Taliban seek an end to America’s longest war. But Pentagon officials won’t provide any metrics to highlight whether Afghan forces made any battlefield progre... more »
Is There Anything To Learn From The U.K. Elections? Part I
*"Massive" 43.6% win* Before people kill themselves over the terrible results in Britain yesterday, remember, more people voted against Boris Johnson and the Conservatives than voted for them. His party only took 43% of the votes. The British version of gerrymandering gives him a commanding control of Parliament, not the will of the people, despite all the crowing from the corporate media and rightist politicians from Trump to Biden. This is what actually happened: *•* Conservative Party- 13,966,565 (43.6%)-- 365 seats (+48) *•* Labour Party- 10,295,607 (32.2%)-- 203 seats (-59) *•... more »
A beautiful day in the neighborhood – a must see
My wife and I watched the wonderful movie about Mister Rogers called “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” on Friday. The film stars Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers, the ideal candidate for the role due to the kindness of both. … Continue reading →
Hot Operation Testing Of Russian Built Nuclear Reactor System Started in Astravets Belarus (BelNPP)
Location exported from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarusian_nuclear_power_plant From Charter’97 Press Center: “Hot Operation Testing Of Reactor System Started At BelNPP First Power … Continue reading →
Black Caps do well to engineer late collapse, but Australia still in winning position
Despite a late batting collapse under the lights, Australia ends day three of the first Test with a potentially match-winning lead in Perth.
SA sticks to plastic straw ban despite opposition from disability sector
People with disabilities will still be able to access plastic straws amid a broader SA ban on single-use plastics, but an advocacy group says the exemption does not go far enough.
Sydney Light Rail 'fail' as trams come to a halt just hours after official opening
Hours after the $2.96-billion Sydney Light Rail service officially opened, a technical fault halts services at Circular Quay.
Two men killed in Far North Queensland light plane crash
A 73-year-old pilot and his 63-year-old passenger are dead after a light plane crashed in a cornfield at the end of the Mareeba Aerodrome, west of Cairns.
Farmland prices remain firm despite dry times
Tim Fookes, Cara Jeffery, Joshua Becker, Lara Webster, Mike Pritchard, Olivia Ralph And Michael Cavanagh at Just In - 1 day ago
Property values across drought-ravaged NSW are managing to remain strong as farmers search the state to buy land with guaranteed water supply and the promise of elusive rainfall.
Pakistani police hunt Prime Minister Imran Khan's nephew over role in hospital riot
Police in Pakistan say they are hunting for Prime Minister Imran Khan's nephew for taking part in a violent protest at a hospital in which three patients died.
How do massive hailstones form?
The Bureau of Meteorology says the massive hailstones that fell on Queensland's Sunshine Coast are some of the biggest ever recorded in Australia. How exactly does ice fall from our skies when it's so hot on the ground?
15yo charged with murder over fatal Surfers Paradise stabbing
Police say they have charged a 15-year-old Waterford West boy with murder and acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm after the stabbing death of a 17-year-old at Surfers Paradise on Friday night.
Confidence in Fed is Fragile; Are We Doomed for a Crisis? Jim Rickards Weighs In
Kitco NEWS The direction the Federal Reserve is taking today with their monetary policy does not inspire confidence and erodes the value of money, said best-selling author James Rickards. “You can have a fiat money standard if people have confidence. There are a couple of ways to destroy confidence. One, too much debt, and the …
Trump Mum on Trade Deal Details as Impeachment Advances – Ben Swann
RT America The United States and China have finally struck a deal, signaling a step toward ending their almost 18-month trade war. Investigative journalist Ben Swann breaks down the details. end
Why Investors Don’t Believe Trump/China Deal. (Full Show)
RT America RT America’s Boom Bust team, Christy Ai and Ben Swann, join Rick Sanchez to discuss why markets haven’t responded to news that a trade deal has been reached between the US and China. What do investors know that the general public doesn’t? Also, Rick talks to RT Correspondent Michele Greenstein about why 90% …
CrossTalk: BoJo’s Big Win
RT The UK general election: With a predicted large majority, this would be the biggest majority for the Tories since the days of Margaret Thatcher and Labour’s worst showing in about 80 years. It would seem “getting Brexit done” did the trick. This is a big win for BoJo, but is it for the UK? …
Dr. Tim Ball Sets The Record Straight On The Deliberate Deception To Demonize CO2
Dr. Tim Ball Sets The Record Straight On The Deliberate Deception To Demonize CO2 by DR. TIM BALL JANUARY 16, 2018, https://www.technocracy.news/ Many years ago, I compared the claim that human CO2 was causing global warming was analogous to determining what was causing your car to falter. To simplify the analysis, you decided to not look …
Experts: Israeli System Constitutes Apartheid, Crime against Humanity
Experts: Israeli System Constitutes Apartheid, Crime against Humanity by https://israelpalestinenews.org/ Analyses by Professors Richard Falk and Virginia Tilley confirm that Israel is perpetrating ‘apartheid,’ a system of racism and discrimination that under international law constitutes a ‘crime against humanity.’ The authors conclude that Israel’s practice of racial-ethnic domination is the fundamental obstacle to peace. – They …
The Fed Has ‘Absorbed’ 90% Of Treasury Issuance Since September
The Fed Has ‘Absorbed’ 90% Of Treasury Issuance Since September by Lee Adler via WallStreetExaminer.com, via https://www.zerohedge.com/ Let’s look at a few of Chairman Powel’s words at yesterday’s press conference. Please read them and tell me whether this sounds to you like a man who doesn’t understand what he’s doing. Or if you think he’s …
Horowitz Report Finally Unmasks Adam Schiff. Who’s Going to Call Him Out on His Lies?
Horowitz Report Finally Unmasks Adam Schiff. Who’s Going to Call Him Out on His Lies? by JOHN KASS, CHICAGO TRIBUNE, https://www.chicagotribune.com/ Now that the Horowitz report is out, revealing all those lies told by the FBI as it worked to hamstring a presidency with a debunked Russia collusion theory, here’s a question: – Where do …
McCarthy Accuses Adam Schiff of Lying to the American People
Fox Business House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) discusses the partisan divide in Congress and the reported bias displayed in the Horowitz report. end
Horowitz Delivers Devastating Report. Sets the Table for Barr & Durham
The Duran The Duran Quick Take: Episode 400. The Duran’s Alex Christoforou and Editor-in-Chief Alexander Mercouris discuss the Horowitz report and the immediate reactions from US Attorney General Barr and U.S. Attorney John Durham who found, “clear abuse” in the IG probe into the FBI’s handling of the FISA process. end
Graham Sends Warning to FBI Officials Responsible for FISA Abuse
Fox News Sen. Lindsey Graham joins ‘Hannity’ after a long day grilling DOJ Inspector General Horowitz on the report that rocked DC earlier this week. #Hannity #FoxNews end
FACT: Only This Warship Has Been Sunk by a Nuclear Submarine
*Robert Farley* *Security, * [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARA_General_Belgrano#/media/File:ARA_General_Belgrano_underway.jpg] Learn its story. *Key Point:* The sinking caused lasting political controversy. Only one ship has ever been sunk in anger by a nuclear submarine. Designed to fight the Japanese, USS *Phoenix* survived Pearl Harbor and fought in battles across the Pacific. Forty-one years after the Japanese attack, she would fall victim to HMS *Conqueror* off the Falklands Islands. The USS *Phoenix* was the fifth of the Brooklyn class—a group of light cruisers de... more »
Picture This: F-22s and F-35s Armed with Crazy Lazy Weapons
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/MIDEAST-IRAN-TANKER-USA-RC1CB6680000.html] This isn't science fiction. *Key Point:* Lasers are the weapons of the future. On April 23, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) tested a fiber-optic laser at the White Sands Test Range in New Mexico that successfully shot down “multiple air-launched missiles in flight.” The Self-protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHIELD), pictured here, currently exists as a bulky, ground-based demonstrator. However, the Air Force is optimistic that SHIELD can be sh... more »
World War II Started Two Years Earlier Than You Think
*Warfare History Network* *History, Asia* Japanese planes fought the U.S. Navy four years before Pearl Harbor. *Key point:* America was officially neutral in the Sino-Japanese War, but that didn't stop Japan. In December 1937, four years before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor propelled the United States into the war, Japanese planes attacked an American gunboat, the USS Panay, on China’s Yangtze River, strafing and bombing the boat, sinking it, killing three American crew members, and the wounding 45 others. Those same Japanese planes also attacked three Standard Oil tankers... more »
Nuclear Powers Go To War? Could India and Pakistan Really Fight?
*Stratfor Worldview* *Security, Asia* [image: Reuters] Hopefully never. The Kashmir question will make the already-dim prospects for a de-escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan even more remote in 2020, raising the chances of conflict between the two South Asian powers. Tensions spiked in February, when, for the first time in nearly five decades, the longtime rivals hit each other with airstrikes. The exchange began after India blamed a Pakistan-based group for a suicide bombing in Indian-controlled Kashmir that month. Ratcheting tensions up even further, Indian Prime... more »
Antifa Leftists Riot in London Following Massive Election Loss…
Following a major election victory for conservatives in the U.K. the Antifa-left start rioting in the streets again. Proving once more that socialists do not accept election outcomes. The vitriolic response from the British socialists resembles an almost identical response … Continue reading →
U.S. Afghan Envoy Announces 'Pause' In Taliban Peace Talks After Attack On Bagram Air Base
Taliban suicide bombers targeted a key US military base killing two civilians and wounded more than 70 others [Anadolu/Haroon Sabawoon] *Al Jazeera:* *US-Taliban talks 'pause' after suicide attack on American airbase* The assault on Bagram base came despite the resumption of US-Taliban talks days before in Qatar. US officials have announced a "brief pause" in talks with the Taliban after the armed group launched a suicide attack on a US base in Afghanistan, killing two civilians. Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Friday expressed "outrage about attack in Bagram" ... more »
America’s Two-Headed One Party System
There’s a scene from John Steinbeck’s The Pearl that’s been coming back to me over and over again ever since I started writing about US politics. I find it amazing that this scene hasn’t become a political meme yet, given Steinbeck’s fame and given its […]
Algeria: Protesters Take To The Streets Tebboune Presidential Election Victory
*Reuters: **Ex-premier elected Algerian president; thousands march in protest* ALGIERS (Reuters) - A former prime minister was elected Algeria’s new president in a vote the authorities hope will end months of turmoil, but protesters who toppled his predecessor marched again on Friday, vowing their movement would not stop. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 74, campaigned as a technocrat who had proven his integrity by being sacked for falling out with powerful business tycoons after just three months serving as prime minister in 2017 under veteran ruler Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Tebboune call... more »
Short story: The Shape That Fell From The Cloud
Whoever programs monsters…
Sunk Costs in Foreign Policy
And then there was the manner in which Trump conducted himself personally. In an astonishing display of insensitivity, during a 2017 meeting about how to best prosecute the Afghan war, Trump said in Kelly’s presence that the young American soldiers who had died in Afghanistan had died for a worthless cause. Trump said, “We […] The post Sunk Costs in Foreign Policy appeared first on Econlib.
Mark Twain, "The War Prayer"
"The War Prayer" takes place in present day, during Sunday services at a church in Any Town, USA. On the eve of war, our Reverend leads the congregation in a prayer for the protection of our soldiers. In closing, he makes one last, seemingly innocuous request "...and grant us the victory, O Lord. Amen", and the service proceeds as usual until the arrival of a mysterious stranger, "a messenger from on high", who silently ascends to the pulpit and proceeds to explain "the full import" of the congregation's request, the "unspoken" part of their prayer. What follows is Twain's masterfu... more »
Did President Trump Redefine Judaism as a Nationality?
An executive order signed by Trump could have big consequences for institutions of higher learning.
Stability Versus Liberty
It’s naive to conceive a political theory that is not based on human nature. The primary political requirement of human beings is not liberty—it’s stability. Hobbes understood that people want their government to protect their life, property, and way of life. The passion for liberty is the hallmark of the type of intellectuals who are idealistic and have a utopian view of the world. Most people are convinced that the responsibility for maintaining the stability of the political, social, and economic system belongs to the government. In case there is a conflict between liberty and st... more »
Ukrainian neo-Nazis fly to HK to Join Protests
Neo-Nazis from Ukraine have flown to Hong Kong to participate in the protests, an independent news website The Grayzone reported Wednesday. They are now busy training HK protestors how to properly launch riots and pin down the police department, as they did during the highly successful “Maidan Revolution.” They call themselves Gonor and have tattoos … Continue reading Ukrainian neo-Nazis fly to HK to Join Protests →
"'Half War' and 'Infinity War': The Way We Talk Today"
*"'Half War' and 'Infinity War': The Way We Talk Today"* by David Stockman "War is the health of the state." – Randolph Bourne, “War Is the Health of the State” (1918) "Fascinating week, this was… We learned on Monday that Paul Volcker – the Last Central Banker – had died. Fitting, really, that he should pass only days before his latest successor – yet another Monetary Central Planner – affirmed the path to “QE4.” Indeed, we’re well on our way toward monetizing the federal government’s debt, as Michael Coolbaugh noted in his Thursday market commentary. We also learned on Monday tha... more »
China, U.S. Agree To A Phase-One Trade Deal
*SCMP: **Trade war breakthrough: US and China reach phase-one deal* * The agreement covers a wide range of issues, including intellectual property protection, technology transfers and agricultural purchases * As an immediate result, a new 15 per cent tariff on around US$160 billion of Chinese goods, scheduled to come into effect on Sunday, will be cancelled Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen announced on Friday that China and the US have made a breakthrough in trade negotiations, with a consensus agreement reached for a phase-one deal that will halt further tariff increases and lo... more »
Russia's Tank Forces Got A Really Rude Awakening In Syria
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Middle East* Maybe the T-90 should have stayed out of the desert. *Key point:* TOW missiles used by Syrian rebels blew holes through Russia's armored tanks. The interconnected conflicts raging across the Middle East today have amounted to a dreadful human catastrophe with spiraling global consequence. One of their lesser effects has been to deflate the reputations of Western main battle tanks mistakenly thought to be night-invulnerable in the popular imagination. Iraqi M1 Abrams tanks not only failed to prevent he capture of Mosul in 2014, but they... more »
Greta Thunberg, Person of the Year, Reveals West as Power of Yesteryear
[image: greta-thunberg-person-of-the-year-reveals-west-as-power-of-yesteryear] A civilization’s heroes are a window to its soul. Then again, when old statues and virtues come down and frivolous figures and vices are held up, some may suspect their land has lost its soul. A good example is teen Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and her “sainting” by the Left, as theologian Fay Voshell puts it.
Canadian firm recalls H-E-B soup; U.S. officials issue alert
Federal officials have issued a public health alert about certain imported chicken soup packaged under the H-E-B brand because consumer complaints led to the discovery that it is misbranded and contains undeclared allergens. Canyon Creek Soup Co. Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberts, Canada, made the soup and shipped it exclusively to H-E-B grocery stores in Texas,... Continue Reading
Eddie Obeid walks free after three years behind bars
Disgraced former NSW Labor minister Eddie Obeid is seen leaving Silverwater jail wearing a cap and sunglasses and hugging his son before getting into a tinted van after spending three years in jail for misconduct in public office.
Fast-moving, 'massive' blaze continues to threaten lives, homes in Perth's north
'Weary' firefighters battling an emergency-level blaze burning in Perth's north receive little reprieve, with another day of blistering heat and unpredictable winds.
Christmas, Black Friday online sales boom sparks parcel delivery spike
Strong pre-Christmas online sales mean Australia Post has hired an extra 3,500 staff to cope with a massive increase in parcel deliveries compared to this time last year.
Melbourne woman first officially named victim of White Island volcanic eruption
Australian woman Krystal Eve Browitt, 21, was with her father and sister when the volcanic eruption happened on White Island.
Man found guilty of murder after punching 'friend' he accused of attempted rape
A Victorian man who repeatedly punched his mother's ex-partner in the face after accusing him of attempted rape is found guilty of murder.
Roar's Robbie Fowler opts against shaking hands after loss, then accuses opposition of 'cheating'
Robbie Fowler did not feel like waiting around after yet another Brisbane Roar loss but says Western United coach Mark Rudan is the one in the wrong.
UK Labour's 'red wall' turned blue as voters fear more Brexit delays
The British seat of Bolsover had been held by Labour for 49 years until Thursday's election, but voted for the Conservatives. It is a situation that repeated across much of Labour's traditional working-class power base as voters push against Brexit delays.
Get Ready for Cold Weather Chaos
*Jennifer Weeks* *Environment, Americas* [image: Reuters] ‘Tis the season for snow and ice. As cold weather settles in across North America, some communities have already started up their snowplows, while others keep watchful eyes on the forecast. Snow and ice can wreck travel plans, but they also play important ecological roles. And frozen water can take amazing forms. For days when all talk turns to winter weather, we spotlight these five stories from our archives. *1. The strange forms water can take* Beyond snowflakes and icicles, frozen water can behave in surprising ways. ... more »
Would China Try to Claim Most of the Pacific Ocean?
*Harry J. Kazianis* *Security, Asia* [image: Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Naval Frigate Hengshui (L) is moored next to the PLAN ship Xi'an after arriving at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam to participate in the multi-national military exercise RIMPAC in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 29, 2016.] Nine-dash line? How about two hundred and fifty? Some fake news freaked an academic conference out several years ago. *Key point:* China's use of "mapfare" can lead to truly absurd claims. The neverending ups and downs of *what is quickly becoming the hottest geostrategic flashpoint* on th... more »
No, China Is Not as Strong as It Seems
*Milton Ezrati* *Security, Asia* [image: Reuters] Despite commentary to the contrary, Beijing's success isn't perfect or unstoppable. American opinion has moved away from its once-benign view of China. That older view, still favored by many business people, held that a prosperous China would threaten its neighbors less than a poor China, and anyway would offer the United States great economic advantages. Accordingly, this view recommended that the West engage China in a friendly way and accommodate Beijing as much as possible. The newer view has responded to overwhelming evidenc... more »
How the Cost of War Impacts American Families
*Mike Barretta* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] A tough story. It seemed as if we were always waiting. My mother, sister, and I would wait on crowded piers or on endless acres of tarmac waiting for the assault ships to shift colors or the auxiliary power units on the C-17s to wind down. Off the brow or down the ramp, they would come and the crowd would cheer. Flags would wave. They all looked the same, weary and whip-cord thin, weighted down with monstrous packs and mixed emotions. They were just as frightened as we were. At home, my mother kept him safe, giving him time t... more »
The Su-35 Is The Righter Plane You Need to Know About (And Fear)
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, * [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/RUSSIA-MILITARY--GF10000084499.html] Is it Russia's greatest tactical military asset? *Key Point:* While not a stealth fighter, Russia's Su-35 is the best jet-age dogfighter yet made. The Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E is the top Russian air-superiority fighter in service today, and represents the pinnacle of fourth-generation jet fighter design. It will remain so until Russia succeeds in bringing its fifth-generation PAK-FA stealth fighter into production. Distinguished by its unrivaled maneuverability, most... more »
America’s new animal cruelty law that ignores 99% of animal cruelty is not unlike NZ’s that sanctions a long cruel death by 1080
This post on changed laws in the US reminds me of NZ’s situation with 1080 that allows the long slow cruel death a vet has described as 2+ days of slow electrocution. The NZ authorities tweaked the Animal Welfare act to exempt the spreaders of aerially dropped 1080 poison from prosecution for cruelty. Same thing … Continue reading America’s new animal cruelty law that ignores 99% of animal cruelty is not unlike NZ’s that sanctions a long cruel death by 1080 →
How much does Medical School teach about Vaccines?
My Incredible Opinion with Forrest Maready 10.4K subscribers How much do Medical students learn about vaccines in medical school? You might be surprised! Buy some stickers: http://www.myincredibleopinion.com On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyIncredible… On Twitter: twitter.com/forrestmaready Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay
‘Everything is the light’ … a read interview with Nikola Tesla
“It bothers me not that they steal my ideas; it bothers me that they have none of their own.”–N Tesla Gary Lite 323K subscribers Everything is the Light – An Interview with Nikola Tesla. Narrated By: Gary Lite Read the full article here: http://www.369universe.com/2017/02/09… My understanding is that this story is from a play, but … Continue reading ‘Everything is the light’ … a read interview with Nikola Tesla →
Former Salesman for vaccine maker Merck & Co. tells why he would not vaccinate his own son
LarryCook333 48.7K subscribers http://www.StopMandatoryVaccination.com – “If you believe what you are told by the AMA and the CDC and your doctor, you’re not doing enough research.” In 1991 Scott Cooper and his wife researched vaccine safety and efficacy, determined vaccines are NOT safe or effective, and refused to vaccinate their son. Interestingly, their son was … Continue reading Former Salesman for vaccine maker Merck & Co. tells why he would not vaccinate his own son →
ROCKET LABS 10 FINGERS CAUGHT IN THE COOKIE JAR OF WAR.
Originally posted on BEN'S WORLD: https://youtu.be/zikbIWhhad4 Full Rocket Lab Briefing 30 minutes. By Ben Vidgen Rocket Lab launches July 24th 2020 Olympic games opening ceremony Tokyo high tech “shooting star” show launched from a satellite that Rocket Lab, Hawkes Bay Mahia Pensinular. This comes after the November 29th stand down. https://www.geekwire.com/2019/rocket-lab-launches-japanese-satellite-thats-designed-spit-shooting-stars-olympics/ Japanese company ALE…
Musical Interlude: Medwyn Goodall, "Invocation, Part 3"
Medwyn Goodall, "Invocation, Part 3"
"A Look to the Heavens"
“You may have heard of the Seven Sisters in the sky, but have you heard about the Seven Strong Men on the ground? Located just west of the Ural Mountains, the unusual Manpupuner rock formations are one of the Seven Wonders of Russia. How these ancient 40-meter high pillars formed is yet unknown. *Click image for larger size.* The persistent photographer of this featured image battled rough terrain and uncooperative weather to capture these rugged stone towers in winter at night, being finally successful in February of last year. Utilizing the camera's time delay feature, the photogr... more »
Tonight's Movie Is 'The Lost Battalion'
From *Wikipedia*: The Lost Battalion is a true 2001 made-for-television war drama film about the Lost Battalion of World War I, which was cut off and surrounded by German forces in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive the of 1918. *Read more* .... more »
QE4 Ever, Economy on Life Support, Banks Rescued, Mnuchin ‘Explains’ Financial Meltdown
BULL BOOM – BEAR BUST Rate cuts are the focus but regardless of the rate decision, markets will continue to be propped-up at all cost, even as debt is already exploding! Also, we analyze the lies, Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin attempts to answer questions before House Financial Committee as the fed continues the rescue of …
Keiser Report: All That Was Hidden is Being Revealed (E1474)
RT In this episode of the Keiser Report, Max and Stacy discuss all that was hidden being revealed in the age of Trump. With geopolitics, for example, most in U.S. corporate media used to claim that they advocated for bombing places like Iraq or Libya solely for the women and children. Trump, however, has revealed …
Michael Pento: “Interest Rates Will Probably Never Be Raised Again In Our Lifetime”
Arcadia Economics #MichaelPento: #InterestRates Will Probably Never Be Raised Again In Our Lifetimes On Wednesday the #FederalReserve paused its interest rate reduction campaign while again going with the “nothing to see here” routine. Although fortunately Michael Pento of Pento Portfolio Strategies was kind enough to join me on the show to reveal what the Fed …
Senator Kennedy asks President Trump to Declassify FISA Application…
The original requests to declassify the Carter Page FISA application came in January 2018 as a result of the Nunes memo. A classified and heavily redacted version of the application was released July 21st, 2018. A month later, in August … Continue reading →
The Poet: David Whyte, “The Sea”
*“The Sea”* “The pull is so strong we will not believe the drawing tide is meant for us, I mean the gift, the sea, the place where all the rivers meet. Easy to forget, how the great receiving depth untamed by what we need needs only what will flow its way. Easy to feel so far away and the body so old it might not even stand the touch. But what would that be like feeling the tide rise out of the numbness inside toward the place to which we go washing over our worries of money, the illusion of being ahead, the grief of being behind, our limbs young rising from such a depth? What would th... more »
“Some Things You Need To Know”
*“Some Things You Need To Know”* by Marc Chernoff “I know you’re reading this. And I want you to know I’m writing this for you. Others will be confused. They will think I’m writing this for them. But I’m not. This one’s for you. I want you to know that life is not easy. Every day is an unpredictable challenge. Some days it can be difficult to simply get out of bed in the morning. To face reality and put on that smile. But I want you to know, your smile has kept me going on more days than I can count. Never forget that, even through the toughest times, you are incredible. You really... more »
Walt Whitman, "Animals"
*"Animals"* "I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self contain’d; I stand and look at them long and long, They do not sweat and whine about their condition; They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins; They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God; Not one is dissatisfied — not one is demented with the mania of owning things; Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that lived thousands of years ago; Not one is respectable or industrious over the whole earth." - Walt Whitman
Is Republican-Lite Better Than Republican?
Two ass-sucking Blue Dogs, Collin Peterson (MN) and Jeff Van Drew (NJ)-- who is expected to quit the Democratic Party and join the GOP-- have already announced they're voting against impeaching Trump. Next week we'll find how many fellow Blue Dogs they're dragging along with them. The *Washington Post*'s Rachel Bade and Mike DeBonis reported that the Democrats are expecting to lose as many as 6 of their members. "Predictions about some defections comes as a core group of centrists from districts Trump won in 2016 are having second thoughts. While many knew impeachment would never... more »
Hezbollah leader says one-party gov’t could escalate tensions: video
Secretary-General of Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, said that a one-party government could lead to the escalation of tensions in Lebanon, during a televised speech from Beirut on Friday. “If a one-colour [one-party] government is formed under the existing tensions, that [tension] will escalate, roads blocked, demonstrations, protests,” said the Hezbollah leader, before asking […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
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