10:19 pm MST
Heh
This meme over at Chief Nose Wetter's place made me laugh. It particularly made me laugh because it reminded me of an Africa story. I belong to an e-mail list that, among other topics, sometimes discusses hunting in Africa. I recall, some years ago, a member of the list talking about an upcoming hunting safari in Africa, his first. He was an experienced mountaineer, and told us he planned to take his portaledge tent with him. He normally hung it from a piton in a cliff face, to sleep in comfort; so, in Africa, he planned to hang it from a tree branch for the same purpose. I... more »
Judge Green Lights Voter Purge Despite Cries from Stacey Abrams Group
[image: judge-green-lights-voter-purge-despite-cries-from-stacey-abrams-group] A federal judge allowed a voter purge to continue in Georgia while a second hearing is scheduled after a group Abrams founded asked for it to be halted.
Democrat Ideological Split Has Progressives Dreaming of a Warren/Sanders Ticket
[image: democrat-ideological-split-has-progressives-dreaming-of-a-warren-sanders-ticket] With Joe Biden still maintaining a lead in many polls, many “progressive” Democrats are urging Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders to combine their resources to create a full-out socialist ticket to run against Donald Trump in November.
Goldman Sachs Cuts Funding for ANWR Energy Exploration, Citing Environmental Concerns
[image: goldman-sachs-cuts-funding-for-anwr-energy-exploration-citing-environmental-concerns] On Sunday, mega-bank Goldman Sachs announced major restrictions on its loans to energy developers, especially those seeking to exploit the resources beneath the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
WikiLeaks: Evidence That Syria Did Not Use Chemical Weapons Was Repressed
[image: wikileaks-evidence-that-syria-did-not-use-chemical-weapons-was-repressed] The charge that Syria has used chemical weapons was debunked, but the initial report was suppressed, WikiLeaks reveals.
Retired General Hints That Sci-fi Tech Now a REALITY; Warning of China, Says Whoever Controls Space Will Control World
[image: retired-general-hints-that-sci-fi-tech-now-a-reality-warning-of-china-says-whoever-controls-space-will-control-world] Does the United States government already possess secret technology that makes science fiction a reality? And despite this, could China be poised to overtake us in the space race and, ultimately, dominate the heavens and the Earth?
Is It Illegal To Impersonate A Police Officer?
Then why does the “Muslim Community Patrol” in New York City get away with driving around in cars that look like official NYC police cars, complete with lights and sirens get away with it? Well guess what, they may have irritated the wrong group, LOL, get some popcorn, this will be fun to watch. Ladies and Gentlemen, straight from the Clarion Project: Published December 17, 2019 By Martin Mawyer NY Muslim Patrol Bullies Get Bullied Back by the Bloods Members of the Brooklyn Hancock Street Bloods gang (Photo: Wikipedia Commons/Og rahim rashad/CC4.0) Members of New York’s Muslim Pat... more »
Shocking Video Shows Cop Torture Restrained Man, Punching and Pepper Spraying Him Repeatedly
[image: restrained]A deputy is now under investigation by the FBI after he was seen on video savagely torturing a defenseless restrained man who posed no threat.
Pelosi and Democrat ‘Resistance’ Hand Trump a Blank Cheque for New Police State
*21WIRE* | For the Democratic leadership, when it comes to big government and police state spending - what Trump wants, Trump gets.
Los TLC no sirven de mucho si un país no es competitivo
bilaterals.org - 11 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 La evolución económica de México muestra que sirvieron de muy poco los TLC y otros acuerdos para hacer de México una potencia económica.
Trump, Boris Johnson discuss 'ambitious free trade agreement'
bilaterals.org - 11 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 President Trump and Boris Johnson spoke about negotiating a free trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Factbox: What is actually in the US-China 'Phase One' trade deal?
bilaterals.org - 11 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 Neither side has released many specific details of the agreement, which the United States says is 86 pages.
Johnson uses threat of Brexit cliff-edge to demand EU trade deal by end of 2020
bilaterals.org - 11 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 The EU hopes to start trade talks with Britain by March, leaving just 10 months to strike a deal and get it approved by London and the EU, including member states' parliaments.
The US-China trade deal phase two – digital trade, intellectual property, cyber intrusions, and a bilateral investment treaty
bilaterals.org - 11 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 The phase two agreement is to be digitally focused and could include a US-China bilateral trade agreement.
Tratado de Libre Comercio Perú-Australia entrará en vigor en febrero de 2020
bilaterals.org - 11 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 El Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo indicó que el TLC suscrito entre Perú y Australia entrará en vigor en febrero próximo, luego de que ambos países concluyeron los procedimientos legales internos para su puesta en vigencia.
Arbitrajes contra Venezuela: Owens Illinois también en la lucha por los activos venezolanos
bilaterals.org - 11 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 Owens Illinois European Group BV Venezuela ha solicitado ante una corte del Distrito de Delaware una orden para cobrar más de 382 millones de dólares de un laudo emitido por un tribunal CIADI tras la nacionalización se sus fábricas en Venezuela.
Call for EU and International Community to Recognize Rojova aka Occupied Syrian Territory
*The EU is staying mum on the issue, but, unless Damascus takes their territory and resources back the regional remake will take it's next step.* Syria annexed to the Mediterranean*Brusselstimes* The conference ended with a strongly worded condemnation of the invasion and a call to the EU and the international community to recognise the Autonomous Administration in the region (Rojava) and include it in the UN-led Constitutional Committee tasked to draft a new constitution for Syria. Neighbouring Sweden has appointed an ambassador, Per Örnéus, as Special Envoy for Syria.... more »
Going deep underground to keep this town alive
The ABC has been given rare access underground in one of Cobar's four mines, as it looks below the surface to secure its future with the world's most precious resource — water.
'Sales girl' jibe at Finland Prime Minister Sanna Marin almost gets Estonia's Interior Minister fired
Just In - 11 hours ago
Estonia's far right Interior Minister Mart Helme is almost voted out of the country's parliament after he took a swipe at close neighbour Finland's newly elected young Prime Minister Sanna Marin.
Pope Francis scraps pontifical secrecy rule over sex abuse cases
Just In - 11 hours ago
Pope Francis abolishes the "pontifical secret" used in clergy sexual abuse cases, after criticism it has been used to protect paedophiles, silence victims and keep law enforcement from investigating crimes.
China And Russia Prepare UN Resolution To Lift Key North Korea Sanctions
*Reuters*: *U.S.-led pressure fractures as China, Russia push for North Korea sanctions relief* SEOUL (Reuters) - A proposal by China and Russia to ease U.N. sanctions on North Korea increases pressure on the United States and signals what is the likely end of unified efforts to persuade Pyongyang to give up its growing nuclear and missile arsenal. On Monday China and Russia proposed that the United Nations Security Council lift a ban on North Korea exporting statues, seafood and textiles, and ease restrictions on infrastructure projects and North Koreans working overseas, accor... more »
Leftists are the real misogynists who hate women: Michael Bloomberg edition
Abortion is a tool men use to ensure that they can use women as objects not love them as people. Abortion ensures that men don't have to worry about child support when they hook up with a woman and then toss her aside like yesterday's news paper. So it's not surprising that when you scratch the surface Democrats don't really respect women. Michael Bloomberg is running for President and apparently he's a billionaire that Democrats can like. But back in the 1990s his employees put together a short book of his sayings. Many are too obscene to repeat but here are a couple of gems that... more »
It Was President Trump's Former National Security Adviser's Blunt Interview On Afghanistan That Kicked Off The Washington Post Investigation And Bombshell Report On The Afghan War
Then-Maj. Gen. Michael Flynn, the senior intelligence officer in Afghanistan, aboard an Italian CH-47C Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan in 2010. Defense Department *Business Insider: **Mike Flynn's blunt interview with staffers kicked off the investigation into a bombshell Afghanistan report* * Retired US Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, President Donald Trump's first national security adviser, is in the spotlight for his critical statements on America's war in Afghanistan. * His statements prompted an extensive Washington Post investigation, published Monday, that uncovered a can... more »
The BBC lies to you about Trump: Armenian genocide edtion
The Moslem Turks committed genocide against the Christian Armenians. The Congress has passed resolutions calling what the Turks did genocide. The BBC headline says "Trump says Armenia massacres were not genocide, directly contradicting Congress" That's an out and out lie. The only statement from Trump that the article cites was made back in April where he called what the Turks had done "one of the worst mass atrocities of the 20th century"; ie Trump put it on par with the Holocaust and the mass murder of 100,000,000 people by various communist regimes. Trump did not say that what ... more »
Editor's Note
Finishing up on a project right now. Blogging will be light today.
Italy to nearly triple domestic medical cannabis production in 2020
The Italian Ministry of Health plans to almost triple the quantity of medical marijuana to be produced domestically in the coming year. This signals the intention of the government to rely to a lesser degree on imports in 2020 to serve growing domestic demand for medical cannabis. As per the country’s psychotropic substances quota, which covers medical cannabis, the […] Italy to nearly triple domestic medical cannabis production in 2020 is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
RSBN Trump Merry Christmas Rally Battle Creek Mi.
Right Side Broadcasting Network is once again able to broadcast live on YouTube. Here’s the “Merry Christmas Ralley” in Battle Creek Michigan, starting Live on 18 Dec 2019, or in about 26 hours from this posting time per the RSBN … Continue reading →
Adapt 2030 Ice Hurricane In Iceland?
Did an "ice Hurricane" hit Iceland? Then head toward the UK? Continue reading →
AP: Purdue Pharma Owners Took Billions Out of Company as Opioid Crisis Worsened
The Sackler family – the wealthy owners of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma – started taking far more money out of the company AFTER it was fined for misleading marketing of the powerful prescription painkiller. A court filing made by the company Monday evening shows Purdue made payments for the benefit of members of the Sackler […] The post AP: Purdue Pharma Owners Took Billions Out of Company as Opioid Crisis Worsened appeared first on Health Nut News.
Missing 600 From Anbar’s Saqlawiya Finally Found Dead?
Kataib Hezbollah were accused of various abuses of people fleeing the Fallujah battle in 2016 including the abduction of 643 men and boys (Iraqi News) An Iraqi official told Al Arabiya that the 643 men and boys who disappeared in 2016 during the battle for Fallujah were discovered dead in a mass grave. In May 2016, the Iraqi forces surrounded the city of Fallujah in the build-up to liberate the city. Hashd units were deployed to the north in the Saqlawiya area. At the very start of June, that town was assaulted, and around 8,000 civilians fled the fighting. Immediately there were... more »
Rating The 2020 Presidential Candidates On Their Education Stands
We wrote a post on Saturday-- published Sunday-- Are Democrats Going To Finally Get Behind Public Education For Real-- And Leave Charter Schools To The Republicans? that needs some updating. The education forum in Pittsburgh that the Democratic presidential candidates took part in has led to a valuable evaluation published by ElectraBlog. Mitchell Robinson wrote that "In the spirit of our country’s current rather draconian approach to 'accountability' in public education," he would describe each of the candidates’ performances "by rating them on the Danielson teacher evaluation ru... more »
This Day In Iraqi History - Dec 17
1940 Regent called cabinet meeting telling them they lacked unity to run govt PM Gaylani rejected Regent’s criticism and blamed problems on For Min Said Later in day Regent asked Gaylani to resign He refused Pro-Said MPs criticized Gaylani PM asked Regent to dismiss parliament (Musings On Iraq book review of *Rashid Ali al-Gailani, The National Movement in Iraq 1939-1941*) 1962 Student union members at secondary school in Baghdad that started strike attacked by Pan- Arab students leading to riot 1981 Iraqi counterattack lost most of lost ground from Iranian Op Matla al-Fajar in ce... more »
Coercive Environmentalism
Gus Van Horn writes at Real Clear Markets The Recycling Crowd Embraces Grade-School Juvenility. Excerpts in italics with my bolds. The third-grade boy shamefully completed his apology, in front of first grade. I was luckier than I felt. Just that morning, I had been convinced that the way to win friends was to do what […]
New Orleans jazz like the old days
This should wake you up--sleeting here in Columbus (Dec. 17), so I'll probably stay in or go out after the salt trucks pass by. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZdMxFiUf9Q Name of group of street musicians is "Tuba Skinny" http://tubaskinny.com/ One of the viewers of Jackson Stomp wrote: "I started playing jazz in 1952. In recent years I have feared that the music would die out with my generation; you can't imagine how I feel too hear these young people doing their stuff. Not only do they have technique to spare but they play with passion and a real feel for the music. There are lot... more »
Will 2020 Include Millions Dead From War (With North Korea)?
*Daniel R. DePetris* *Security, Asia* [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/NORTHKOREA-POLITICS--RC2YND9OFM8G.html] That's what will happen if the United States launches a nuclear attack against North Korea. *Key point:* A nuclear attack wouldn't just leave the Korean pensinula devastated, but have long lasting affects across the world. North Korea is the most difficult of targets for the U.S. intelligence community to unearth. Intelligence collection and analysis is an incredibly time-consuming and dangerous business, where it often takes months and maybe even years of ... more »
Defend Your Home: The 5 Best Guns To Ensure Your Family Safe
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, North America* Will you choose the Glock, Ruger, or Beretta? *Key Point:* There is nothing more important when picking a gun for home defense than reliability. Home defense is probably the most stressful scenario a civilian gun owner could encounter. A crash or bump in the night, waking a homeowner up from an evening torpor or sound slumber, is a jarring proposition. Add to that a house or apartment full of family members for whom the homeowner is responsible, and things start moving very quickly. After calling the police, what weapon do you reach for... more »
Counterfactual: A Nazi Invasion of Britain? (Hitler Wins World War II?)
*Warfare History Network* *Security, * [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_Hitler#/media/File:Hitler_portrait_crop.jpg] Learn the true story of Operation Sea Lion. *Key Point:* In the end, the German war machine couldn't cross a nine mile channel of water. Major Graf Von Kielmansegg, an officer in Germany’s 1st Armored Division based near Orleans, France, was dragged from a cinema on the night of August 28, 1940, and told to report to his chief of staff. “As I entered his office I was sure that we were finally going to be told that Sea Lion had been given the green lig... more »
Republicans Introduce Terrorism Sanctions for Drug Cartels
*Jason Hopkins* *Politics, Americas* [image: A federal police officer keeps watch after the U.S. Attorney General William Barr's convoy arrived at the Mexico's Attorney General Office (FGR) ahead of his meeting with the Mexican Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero, in Mexico City, Mexico] They're taking the fight to Mexico. Two Republican senators are introducing legislation that would place severe sanctions on drug cartels, the latest action taken by lawmakers since cartel gunmen slaughtered nine American citizens in November. GOP Sens. David Perdue of Georgia and Tom Cotton... more »
Which Democrats Reject AOC's Green New Deal?
*Chris White* *Politics, Americas* [image: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announces introduction of public housing legislation as part of the Green New Deal in Washington, U.S. November 14, 2019. REUTERS/Erin Scott] You might be surprised. Moderate Democrats who are working on getting reelected in a partisan environment are doing their best to keep a distance from the so-called Green New Deal. Democratic Reps. Lauren Underwood of Illinois, Henry Cuellar of Texas and Harley Rouda of California are keeping their distance from the GND as they campaign for reelection in Republican-le... more »
FISA Report 'Distressed' Top FBI Lawyer During Trump-Russia Probe
*Chuck Ross* *Politics, Americas* [image: U.S. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz testifies before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing] 'It’s terrible, it’s unacceptable, it shouldn’t happen,' he said. Former FBI general counsel James Baker said Monday that he felt “distressed” after reading the Justice Department inspector general’s report laying out “significant” errors and omissions in the bureau’s applications to surveil former Trump campaign aide Carter Page. In an interview on CNN, Baker went further in his critique of the bureau than did FBI Director J... more »
Truck Manufacturers Wait For Trump To Undo Obama Regulation While Jobs Bleed
*Jason Hopkins* *Politics, Americas* [image: A worker stands next to robotic arms welding pump truck part at a factory of the Foton Loxa Heavy Machinery Co in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, China May 24, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer] After a defeat in federal court and the publication of a questionable emissions study, the administration no longer appears willing to rescind the regulation. *The Trump administration has stalled plans to roll back an Obama-era regulation limiting the number of glider trucks manufacturers can build, leaving the industry in a dire situation. * - ... more »
Could This Estonian Robot Tank Stop a Russian Invasion?
*David Axe* *Technology, Europe* [image: https://twitter.com/iparnamae/status/795565973935915008/photo/1] Let's take a look. *Key point:* The Baltic states take their defense and technology seriously. An Estonian company has teamed up with a Singaporean firm and joined the expanding global race to develop robotic fighting vehicles. More and more firms are developing armed unmanned ground vehicles, some as private ventures and others in response to formal government programs. But it’s unclear how quickly armies might actually field meaningful numbers of tank-like ground robots. ... more »
Why Might the Navy Get Rid of Its Important Minesweepers?
*David Axe* *Security, America* [image: Reuters] A good day for Iran. *Key point:* Washington might want to think twice about getting rid of them. The U.S. Navy is getting ready to decommission its last few single-mission mine-countermeasures vessels, or MCMs. A late-March 2019 exercise off the Virginia coast points to a new way of deploying minehunting forces that the Navy hopes will work at as well as the old, purpose-made counter-mine ships have done. For the Virginia exercise, a British navy Bay-class auxiliary ship embarked U.S. Navy sailors, helicopters, boats and drones a... more »
Get ready for the New Year’s goal weight
Are you getting ready for your New Year's Resolution on weight? Take a look at this NIH tracker/planner. Has some nice features and it isn't preachy. Since Phil has been ill I’ve put on about 10 lbs from stress eating. So I looked at the nice little tracker and chose 180 days and about 12 pounds. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/bwp By the end of February I should be at 145.7 lbs. Maybe my slacks will fit better by then. This article suggests eating most of your calories over a 10 hour period instead of 14 to maintain weight. https://directorsblog.nih.gov/2019/12/10/why-when-you-eat-m... more »
Vietnam Hopes China ‘Will Show Restraint’ On The Issue Of The South China Sea In 2020
*SCMP/Reuters:* *South China Sea: Vietnam hopes Beijing ‘will show restraint’ in 2020 after year of tension* * Earlier this year, a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts spent months within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone * ’What China did is very alarming and also kind of threatening not only Vietnam but also other countries,’ Vietnamese diplomat said Vietnam said it hoped China would show restraint in the South China Sea next year after a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts spent months within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, which Hanoi regarded as a blatant viola... more »
141-Year-Old Fruitcake Is a Michigan Family’s Heirloom
Some families pass down jewelry, watches or even recipes. But a Michigan family has its own heirloom: a 141-year-old fruitcake.
Maxine Waters on RussiaGate: ‘I Believe, Even Though I Don’t Have the Facts’
*21WIRE* | Until the Fourth Estate wakes from its slumber and challenges the long-running hoax that is RussiaGate, then polarization will only intensify, and 'democracy' will continue to degrade.
The Truth About OPCW and Supposed ‘Gas Attack’ in Douma
*21WIRE* | It's time for the US, UK and France to come clean and admit the truth about the alleged 2018 'chlorine attack' in Syria.
China's Second Aircraft Carrier Enters Service At South China Sea Base
China's second aircraft carrier has entered service. The 50,000-tonne warship, China's first domestically built carrier, is pictured at its launch ceremony at a shipyard in Dalian in 2017 *Daily Mail:* *China's second aircraft carrier 'Shandong' enters service as Beijing boosts military firepower amid escalating tensions with self-ruled Taiwan and the US* * The 50,000-tonne warship is China's first domestically built aircraft carrier * It was commissioned by President Xi to the People's Liberation Army today * The vessel will be based in Sanya, Hainan Province, in the South China ... more »
The Science of Gift Wrapping Explains Why Sloppy Is Better
They say appearances can be deceiving. In the case of gift giving, they might be right.
Address Malnutrition, Not Just Food Security
Global Issues News Headlines - 13 hours ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec 17 (IPS) - Malnutrition remains a formidable challenge in most societies, with less than a tenth of countries in the world not experiencing at least one major malnutrition problem. In relatively more food secure countries, where almost everyone has enough to eat, and few live in fear of a sudden loss of access to food, micronutrient deficiencies and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) often still loom large. Read the full story, “Address Malnutrition, Not Just Food Security”, on globalissues.org →
EU Policies Don’t Tackle Root Causes of Migration – They Risk Aggravating Them
Global Issues News Headlines - 13 hours ago
COPENHAGEN, Dec 17 (IPS) - Lasse Juhl Morthorst* is a freelance writer and researcher. He mainly works on international politics, development, refugee- and human rights issues.According to political scientist Zaki Laïdi's *La tyrannie de l'urgence* (The tyranny of emergency) from 1999, crisis and emergency situations leave no time for analysis, prevention or forecasting. As an immediate protective reflex, they prevent long-term solutions and pose a serious risk of jeopardising the future. Read the full story, “EU Policies Don’t Tackle Root Causes of Migration – They Risk Aggravati... more »
Solar and Biogas, the Perfect Agroenergy Duo in Brazil
Global Issues News Headlines - 13 hours ago
VARGEÃO, Brazil, Dec 17 (IPS) - "They're the ideal duo," because the combination of solar and biogas sources makes it possible to provide electricity around the clock, one during the day and the other at night, says Anelio Thomazzoni, a pig farmer who has become a producer of clean energy in southwestern Brazil. Read the full story, “Solar and Biogas, the Perfect Agroenergy Duo in Brazil”, on globalissues.org →
Think presidential debates are dull? Thank 1950s TV game shows
Michael J. Socolow, Associate Professor, Communication and Journalism, University of Maine at Politics + Society – The Conversation - 13 hours ago
The only satisfactory debate arrangement everyone agreed to nearly 60 years ago largely remains in place today – the game show format.
U.S. Navy Wants Its New Drone Submarines To Assume An Offensive Role In Future Conflicts
The U.S. Navy's first extra-large UUV, the Boeing Orca, could carry multiple 'moor-pedo' mines into action. These could be laid discretely from stand-off ranges, hundreds of miles from the nearest friendly unit. H I Sutton *Forbes:* *The U.S. Navy’s New Orca Drone Submarine Could Get Offensive Role * The U.S. Navy's Boeing Orca underwater drone could play an offensive role in future conflicts. Writing in the highly regarded U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) blog, retired Commander Brian Dulla argues that the U.S. Navy should reinvest in mine laying capabilities. It's an arena where larg... more »
A People’s Guide to Revolution: How Leaderless Revolts Lose the Battle Before it Even Begins
Reflections on how mass media and leaderless movements have affected the success of popular protests from Quebec in 2012 to Lebanon today. The post A People’s Guide to Revolution: How Leaderless Revolts Lose the Battle Before it Even Begins appeared first on MintPress News.
Democrats weaponize a wedding
A group of Trump supporting women, Women for America First, held a three day event in DC which included a dinner at the Willard Hotel. Unfortunately the ballroom next to the one being used by the spunky ladies was hosting the wedding of a "high profile Democrat". It's unclear if the person is high profile because they've been indicted or because they're politically powerful. The wedding guests decided to spend the evening verbally and physically attacking the Trump supporter culminating with 4 to 6 men, including the best man from the wedding, attacking a former Navy SEAL and FBI a... more »
China Destroying Records After Leaks On Uighur Camps
A watchtower on a high-security facility near what is believed to be a re-education camp where mostly Muslim ethnic minorities are detained, on the outskirts of Hotan, in China's northwestern Xinjiang region Photograph:( AFP ) *The Independent*: *China races to destroy records after leaks reveal information on Uighur Muslim detention camps* At least one million have been detained, according to estimates A Chinese local government is deleting data and destroying documents after classified papers were leaked offering information on its mass detention camps for Uighurs and other pre... more »
Endless Wars and Endless Lies
[image: undefined] The Washington Post has obtained a “confidential trove of government documents” revealing that “senior US officials failed to tell the truth about the war in Afghanistan throughout the 18-year campaign, making rosy pronouncements they knew to be false and hiding unmistakable evidence the war had become unwinnable.” But many of us knew and wrote that the war was unwinnable from the beginning, although none of the Western mainstream media would publicise any such judgement. In 2005 I wrote that “The insurgency in Afghanistan will continue until foreign troops leave... more »
What Everyone is Missing About the Afghanistan Papers
[image: undefined] If you need more proof that lawmakers in the US couldn’t care less about America’s woeful commitment to human rights abroad—or even care about the public who vote them into office—look no further than the recent Afghanistan papers and the reaction to the publications from Congress. According to the Washington Post, the outlet had obtained 2,000 pages of notes from interviews with more than 400 generals, diplomats, and other officials directly involved in the war. The documents showed that US officials were lying about the progress being made in Afghanistan, lacked... more »
Will the Secessionist Epidemic Ever End?
[image: will-the-secessionist-epidemic-ever-end] Where does this phenomenon, this continuing unraveling of old and proliferation of new nations, this epidemic of secessionism, end?
NDAA 2020: Surveillance, Space Force, and Indefinite Detention
[image: ndaa-2020-surveillance-space-force-and-indefinite-detention] The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 is about to be signed into law, and it contains support for surveillance, funding for the Space Force, and indefinite detention.
Socialists Stop Spread of Success
[image: socialists-stop-spread-of-success] Militants of the Socialist International are working hand-in-hand with Wall Street globalists at the United Nations to destabilize nations and build a socialist world government.
Coffee Shop Owner Raises Money for Terminally Ill Competitor by Running His Shop for a Day
[image: coffee-shop-owner-raises-money-for-terminally-ill-competitor-by-running-his-shop-for-a-day] After the co-owner of a competing coffee shop was diagnosed with a terminal illness, an Oregon woman closed her shop for a day and ran his to raise money and give his wife a chance to spend time with him.
New Hampshire Bill Would Rescind All Previous Calls for a Con-Con
[image: new-hampshire-bill-would-rescind-all-previous-calls-for-a-con-con] A resolution pre-filed in the New Hampshire House of Representatives would rescind all that state's prior calls for an Article V convention.
Syrian Army may begin large-scale offensive in Idlib: report
The Syrian army is pulling military reinforcements into the country’s northwestern province of Idlib and might start a large-scale offensive there, Syrian state-run media reported, citing a military source. “The army yesterday pulled in significant military reinforcements to such cities in the Idlib province as Khan Sheikhoun in the south and Sinjar in the east… […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source
California wages war on workers
The Democrats who run California passed a bill, AB 5, which was purportedly designed to prevent companies from exploiting workers. However it's so vague and draconian that all sorts of companies are firing contract workers left and right. It's just easier to stop contracting with people than to figure out if keeping them on is legal. For example Vox Media is consolidating hundreds of free lance sports reporting jobs into a few paid full time or part time positions. Essentially this is a war on people's right to decide if they're being acceptably compensated. Democrats hate the idea... more »
MISSISSIPPI MUDDLE: Naep scores rise in Mississippi!
*TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019Information allowed to escape:* On Friday morning, December 6, an opinion column in the New York Times included some actual information! It was information of a type which is rarely allowed to appear in major American newspapers. According to Emily Hanford's opinion column, the public school kids of Mississippi have recorded substantial score gains in reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (the Naep)! The federally-run Naep is the widely-praised "gold standard" of domestic educational testing. As we've noted in the past, everyone know... more »
Illegal Immigrants are behind a murder epidemic
ICE tried to detain illegal immigrants who are charged with 2,500 murders last year. To put that in perspective according to the FBI a total of roughly 10,000 people were arrested for murder last year in the US. Now to be clear it's not really fair to say that we know that 25% of US murders are by illegal immigrants because we don't know what fraction of murderers the police try to arrest; in many cases there isn't enough evidence to arrest anyone. But if we assume that arrest warrants are issued for the same fraction of illegal immigrant murderers as for US citizen murders then t... more »
Untitled
From Jenna Orkin Australian commando Kevin Frost, who raised Afghanistan war crime allegations, found deadALL SIGHTS ON MEXICO AS IT DISCOVERS WORLD’S LARGEST LITHIUM DEPOSITStaggering Video Shows How Much of Earth Was Actually on Fire in 2019Chinese criminal gangs spreading African swine fever to force farmers to sell pigs cheaply so they can profit GOP introduces plan to massively cut Social SecurityPolice fire tear gas as Delhi protesters decry citizenship law By 2100, Five Of The Ten Biggest Countries In The World Will Be In Africa If you thought Brussels was tough, wait until co... more »
WATCH: NYPD Attacks Innocent Mom, Rips Baby from Her Arms, Taxpayers Shell Out $625k
[image: baby]An innocent mom was attacked by four NYPD officers, her baby ripped from her arms, and arrested as she waited for assistance in the welfare office.
WATCH: School Cop Savagely Beats a Tiny Little Boy, Then Drags His Body Away
[image: school]Utterly horrifying video has surfaced of a school cop savagely attacking a tiny sixth-grade boy for no reason, smashing him into the ground twice.
Nunes Letter Proves House Intelligence Chair Schiff Is Discredited, and in Need of ‘Rehabilitation’
[image: Representatives Devin Nunes (left), Adam Schiff (Right).] *Get updates on the coup via sms, text SC20 to (800)929-7566 - STOP to leave at anytime. We don't spam.* House Intelligence ranking member Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), whose exposure of that the FBI and Justice Department knowingly used the lying Steele dossier to obtain a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant against a member of Trump’s campaign, turned Russiagate into a dead letter, stands completely vindicated by the report of Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz. The abominable FBI conduct reg... more »
Adam Schiff lies about his lies
Two years ago Adam Schiff and Devin Nunes had the exact same information about what the government did to get a FISA warrant ostensibly to spy on Carter Page but really to spy on Trump. Yet Nunes memo on the subject has been proven to be 100% correct by the IG report and Schiff's has been proven to be one big lie. Schiff is now saying that he didn't know about the problems but that's clearly a lie since as ranking member on Nunes committee he had the same information that Nunes did. But unlike Nunes Schiff chose to lie to we the people knowing that the #FakeNews media would support... more »
Record Heat In Australia
On this date in 1938, Bourke, NSW began a 37 day heatwave over 100F, which included a week which averaged 116F. Peak temperature was 119F. The hottest temperature in Bourke’s current forecast is 114F. 03 Feb 1939 – BOURKE’S NEW … Continue reading →
Bulgaria’s Willingness to Host NATO Naval Center Is Aimed at Containing Russia in the Black Sea
Russia will be forced to identify all of these facilities as legitimate military targets. More The post Bulgaria’s Willingness to Host NATO Naval Center Is Aimed at Containing Russia in the Black Sea appeared first on The Duran.
Never Trust a Failing Empire
The Post investigation lays bare how the US strategy had failed since its inception, the data doctored to represent a reality very different from that on the ground. More The post Never Trust a Failing Empire appeared first on The Duran.
Time to update Oxford English Dictionary with 2019 hysteria (Satire)
In the Tradition of Oxford English Dictionary, I recommend the following terms to be defined and included into a modern version of English Language. More The post Time to update Oxford English Dictionary with 2019 hysteria (Satire) appeared first on The Duran.
A visit to the US reveals many Americans in exile in their own country
Discussion with locals in Colorado and New York show a nation in profound disorder More The post A visit to the US reveals many Americans in exile in their own country appeared first on The Duran.
The 3,000-Year-Old European Social and Moral Code
The Iliad and the Odyssey can be read as a guide to common sense as well as a guide to cultural assimilation. More The post The 3,000-Year-Old European Social and Moral Code appeared first on The Duran.
NATO could get Serbia, but relied on Kosovo
Twenty years later, the bombing of Yugoslavia remains one of the most controversial moments in the history of NATO. Countries participating in the operation prefer to call the decision justified and necessary. But the deaths of more than two thousand civilians, including 78 children, can hardly be justified. That moment was a turning point for […] More The post NATO could get Serbia, but relied on Kosovo appeared first on The Duran.
Congress ignores White House and Turkey’s objection by recognizing Armenian Genocide
After House and Senate passed Armenian Genocide Resolution, ANCA sets sights on White House, with plans for the executive and legislative branches joining to establish an American policy on this issue. More The post Congress ignores White House and Turkey’s objection by recognizing Armenian Genocide appeared first on The Duran.
Afghanistan Papers Proves U.S. Invasion Was Built on Lies, Deceit and Confusion
U.S. Occupation of Afghanistan Is to Control Its Vast Wealth and Counter Russian/Chinese Influence More The post Afghanistan Papers Proves U.S. Invasion Was Built on Lies, Deceit and Confusion appeared first on The Duran.
The US will disintegrate unless the Senate totally exposes corruption [Video]
The impeachment process is far more dangerous than anyone wants to admit More The post The US will disintegrate unless the Senate totally exposes corruption [Video] appeared first on The Duran.
More police needed to monitor police, and more turbines needed to pay for turbines
News 1. Northern Pulp “Yesterday, four days before his announcement was due on the Northern Pulp effluent treatment proposal, and less than 24 hours before the deadline for the provincial environment minister to announce his decision, federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson released a statement saying that he had ‘decided not to designate […]
No federal assessment will be required for Northern Pulp’s proposed effluent treatment project
Yesterday, four days before his announcement was due on the Northern Pulp effluent treatment proposal, and less than 24 hours before the deadline for the provincial environment minister to announce his decision, federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson released a statement saying that he had “decided not to designate the Northern Pulp project […]
The FBI is either biased for Democrats or completely dishonest
Thanks to the IG report we know that the FBI violated its own rules at least 17 times in order to get a FISA warrant to spy on Carter Page and through him the Trump campaign. One of the most egregious acts committed by the FBI was the deliberate modification of an email from the CIA about Carter Page. A few years before the FBI was concerned that Page was colluding with the Russians Page had helped send Russian spies to prison by cooperating with law enforcement and the CIA. That's right Carter Page had a record of working with the US government and against Russian spies. Clearly... more »
A National Disgrace’: Trump Proposes Social Security Change That Could End Disability Benefits for Hundreds of Thousands
While you were distracted by impeachment theatrics, Trump creates more obstacles to keeping Social Security disability benefits
Lupaka files notice of intent to submit a claim to arbitration under Canada-Peru FTA
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 The dispute is related to the Invicta gold mine project and the blockade erected by the community of Parán in October 2018 wherein it prevented any access to the mining site.
Mexico, US seek to dispel tension over labor tweak to trade deal
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 Mexico said it was satisfied by US assurances it was not sending inspectors.
People power in Romania stopped a mining project. now the corporation is suing for billions of dollars
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 Romanian and US environmental justice activists demonstrated in Washington, DC, outside a World Bank tribunal hearing on a case brought by Canadian-based Gabriel Resources.
RCEP without India isn't to Japan's liking
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 Whereas Japan took the lead to establish the TPP without the United States, Tokyo does not desire a RCEP without India because it would create a China-led trading bloc.
20 years on: China, Japan, ROK seek cooperation amid uncertainties
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 A news report on the current cooperation of China, Japan and the ROK in tackling the issue of unbalanced regional development.
Delhi dialogues opportunity for ASEAN to convince India to rejoin RCEP
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 Regional dialogues on Indo-Pacific cooperation set to be held in New Delhi this weekend will provide ASEAN countries with an opportunity to persuade India to rejoin a landmark trade deal it walked away from last month.
Why India pulled out of RCEP? Piyush Goyal defends govt's controversial move
bilaterals.org - 14 hours ago
17-Dec-2019 Piyush Goyal said the government took the bold decision in the national interest because clearly, the RCEP had become nothing but an India-China FTA which "nobody wants".
Multiple people injured as protests spread to New Delhi over India's new citizenship law
Just In - 14 hours ago
Fresh clashes erupt in New Delhi between protesters and police in a week of opposition to a new law that makes it easier for non-Muslims from neighbouring countries to gain citizenship.
"Economic Market Snapshot AM 12/17/19"
*Updated frequently as available.* ◆ PM 12/17/19: Gregory Mannerino, "WOW! Stock Futures Turn Positive On More Bad Economic News" - https://www.traderschoice.net/ ◆ *MarketWatch Market Summary, Live Updates* - https://www.marketwatch.com/tools/marketsummary *CNN Market Data:* - http://money.cnn.com/data/markets/ *CNN Fear And Greed Index:* - http://money.cnn.com/data/fear-and-greed/ — § — *Buffett Indicator: Where Are We with Market Valuations?* "As of 12/17/19 (updates daily): The Stock Market is Significantly Overvalued. Based on historical ratio of total market cap over GDP (cu... more »
This CIA Agent's Disguise Fooled President H.W. Bush
Photos of that meeting show Mendez sitting across from Bush in the Oval Office as she briefed him on developments in the CIA's new disguise program and then later when she revealed her true identity to him (above) *Daily Mail*: *Incredible moment CIA head of disguise wore a mask as she briefed George H.W. Bush in the White House in the early 90s before dramatically peeling it off to reveal her TRUE identity* * Jonna Mendez, who spent 27 years working for the CIA, was in charge of creating advanced disguises for agents to use on undercover missions * Mendez opted to use one of th... more »
Lebanon: The Background To The Banking Crisis Of The Century
The collapse of the Central Bank of Lebanon following a major state scam plunged the country into an unparalleled economic and financial crisis. The country is now paying for its 76 years of political dependence and 8 years of complete political vacancy. The reality of its situation is very different from the perception of its citizens.
Complaints from both sides.
No 36 “Bias by uneven standards” - (is this the same as bias by false equivalence?) I contend that claims of equivalence between complaints from the left and complaints from the right are false. *The Input*. The Beeb’s employees are organically/biologically sourced from the Guardian. Some subsequently move on to al Jazeera. What I'm saying is -the BBC's balance point is out of kilter. (The definition of a balance point is when a place's heat 'right' output equals the heat 'left' input, or when weight is equally distributed when resting on a single spot.) *The output.* To achiev... more »
He's Gone Deaf
When Doug Ford was elected premier, he handed out his cell phone number. He wanted, he said, to stay in touch with the ordinary people of Ontario. But that policy soon changed. Martin Regg Cohn writes: Ford soon changed his number, complaining that he grew weary of hostile questions from the public. Forget, for a moment, the public relations gimmick of pretending to humanize a premier by purporting to be at the beck and call (or text) of 13.7 million people in the country’s most-populous province. Ford never was a call away. Now he is harder to reach and more remote than ever. ... more »
Burning Forests Is Not A Very Good Idea, Decides Guardian (Six Years Too Late)
By Paul Homewood Crikey Jilly, you’re a bit late at the party, aren’t you? I was telling everybody about this six years ago! Plans to shift Europe’s coal plants to burning wood pellets instead could accelerate rather than combat the climate crisis and lay waste to woodland equal to half the size […]
Pinker’s Pollyannish Philosophy and Its Perfidious Politics
When I read Steven Pinker’s *Enlightenment Now*, I could not find anything remotely scholarly in it. His sermons on the virtues of the Age of Enlightenment will make no sense to anyone who knows something about the history of the Enlightenment. His attempt to link all the progress of the modern times to the ideas developed during the Age of Enlightenment creates the impression of a shoddy replay of whiggish historiography, which no one, except the most gullible, would believe. His view is totally one-sided; he does not look at the problems created by the Enlightenment and modernity. ... more »
Tweets For Today
President Donald Trump is expected to be impeached on Wednesday when the Democratic-led House of Representatives votes on charges stemming from his effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden https://t.co/thTLY7aJgQ pic.twitter.com/EzBrPx1HnE — Reuters (@Reuters) December 17, 2019 Lebanon protests: Video sparks fresh clashes in Beirut https://t.co/R7G8mWK17h — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) December 17, 2019 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was seeking on Tuesday to outlaw extending the #Brexit transition period beyond the end of 2020, as he prepared ... more »
High Chinese Demand Raises Food Prices Worldwide, Not Only in Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The world has become accustomed to paying little to feed itself. After years of cheap food, the food price index of the FAO (the UN Agency for Food and Agriculture) reached its peak of the past two years in November, driven by meat (affected by swine fever in China) and […] The post High Chinese Demand Raises Food Prices Worldwide, Not Only in Brazil appeared first on The Rio Times.
B3 Securities Should Include Best Insurance and Payment Companies, Says UBS Bank
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The performance of Stone and PagSeguro's shares draws attention in the payments sector in 2019. The two companies, with shares listed in the US market, rose 111 and 61 percent in dollar terms in the year up to December 12th . . . To read the full NEWS and much […] The post B3 Securities Should Include Best Insurance and Payment Companies, Says UBS Bank appeared first on The Rio Times.
25 Years Later, Mariah Carey’s Christmas Original Is No.1
The pop star’s original holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart 25 years after its release.
Giuliani: Trump ‘Relied On’ His Claims About US Diplomat
Rudy Giuliani says he provided the president with information that the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine was impeding investigations that could benefit Trump politically.
James Comey wouldn’t make it through library school
"James Comey has finally admitted some “sloppiness” over the surveillance warrant for former Trump campaign aide Carter Page. The former FBI director should re-read Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s report because it lays out a record of willful incuriosity about Christopher Steele and his dossier that is hard to credit as mere incompetence." WSJ editorial board, "The incredibly incurious Mr. Comey." In my profession (librarian), curiosity is what drove us there, paid the bills and took us home; can't imagine an FBI director with zip, nada, zilch curiosity, but there we have it... more »
Snow blindness question
Dear Dr. Toole, I’m a retired OSU librarian, and receive the Ohio State OSU Health Beat daily. Although it’s an interesting blog/aggregator/prepackaged digital publication, I think it’s a little sloppy on its research and links. It cites health articles from Reader’s Digest which has used articles from newspapers with no links or citations, or CNN, for instance. Today it had an index summary of an article on snow blindness, and it refers the reader to a contracted commercial aggregator site, HealthDay, Dec. 15 which it often sites. In that article it credits, but doesn’t link to,... more »
The War of the Future Part 1 - Russia's Foray into Hypersonic Weapons
While detailed information is scarce, it is clear that Russia is testing and preparing to deploy its latest high tech weapon, the 3M22 Zircon (Tsirkon) or SS-N-33 (NATO codename) hypersonic cruise missile. Some details of the capabilities of this weapon were announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin back in February 2019 when he stated that the Zircon hypersonic missile has a firing range of over one thousand kilometres, can accelerate to about Mach 9 (i.e. 9 times the speed of sound or 6905 miles per hour compared to 550 miles per hour for a Tomahawk Cruise Missile) and is cap... more »
I DON'T BELIEVE THAT USA TODAY POLL, BUT TRUMP SEEMS TO HAVE BECOME (SLIGHTLY) MORE POPULAR THIS YEAR
This seems alarming. President Donald Trump, the first modern president to face impeachment during his first term in the White House, now leads his top Democratic rivals in his bid for a second, a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll finds. The national survey ... showed Trump defeating former Vice President Joe Biden by 3 percentage points, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders by 5 points, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren by 8 points. In hypothetical head-to-head contests, Trump also led South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg by 10 points and former New York City Mayor Michael ... more »
Picture Of The Day
Police and protestors scuffle outside the Jamia Millia Islamia University during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, a bill that seeks to give citizenship to religious minorities persecuted in neighbouring Muslim countries, in New Delhi, India, December 13, 2019. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi *WNU Editor: *The above picture came from this photo-gallery .... *India citizenship law protests* (Reuters).
Canada’s Attorney General Blocks Disclosure of Evidence in National Security Case
Canadian Attorney General David Lametti (Source: Flickr/Sebastiaan ter Burg) *Canada’s Attorney General Blocks Disclosure of Evidence in National Security Case* Last month, Canadian Attorney General David Lametti issued a security certificate in the ongoing case of *R. v. Qing (Quentin) Huang*. This is the first time the federal government has ever issued a security certificate, a legal mechanism that allows the attorney general to block the disclosure of information if disclosure would harm Canada’s national security interests. Federal authorities arrested Huang in late 2013 and ... more »
Illegal cultivation
California agency filed a lawsuit against Lowell Herb, alleging the Los Angeles-based company had processed marijuana without a license in San Luis Obispo County in California between December 2018 and March. Illegal cultivation is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
Cannabis firms must focus on profitability, communication for long-term viability
The cannabis industry is at a crossroads where companies will need to differentiate based on profitability, strong yet simple capital structures and investor communication. Cannabis firms must focus on profitability, communication for long-term viability is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
The Great Algorithm Problem: How Do We Know They Will Be Fair?
*Karthik Kannan* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] When algorithms make decisions with real-world consequences, they need to be fair Using machines to augment human activity is nothing new. Egyptian hieroglyphs show the use of horse-drawn carriages even before 300 B.C. Ancient Indian literature such as “Silapadikaram” has described animals being used for farming. And one glance outside shows that today people use motorized vehicles to get around. Where in the past human beings have augmented ourselves in physical ways, now the nature of augmentation also is more intelligent. ... more »
Boris Johnson's Election Win Doesn't Pave the Way for a Successful Brexit
*Jonathan Perraton* *Politics, Europe* [image: Reuters] Britain isn't out of the woods yet. Now that the dust has settled, the real business of “getting Brexit done” and running the country begins for Boris Johnson. When it comes to the economy, the data is clear: it’s flatlining. Quarterly figures are at their weakest since 2009; there has been modest growth for services but the manufacturing and construction sectors have contracted. The UK’s trade deficit with the rest of the world has also widened. Much of this is the result of Brexit uncertainty. While Johnson brings a modic... more »
This Could Soon Be the U.S. Navy's Ultimate Aircraft Carrier Weapon
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] A big deal. *Key point:* The V-22 will help the Navy's supply and logistics needs. For over fifty years, the Navy has operated C-2A Greyhound cargo haulers with twin turboprop engines to ferry personnel, supplies, mail and spare parts to its massive aircraft carriers at sea—a mission known as Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD). The Greyhound, which is derived from the Navy's E-2 Hawkeye radar planes, can haul up to five tons of cargo or 26 passengers while still managing to land and takeoff from the three-hundred-meter-long ca... more »
China and America Are Going Navy Crazy (As in Building Lots of New Warships)
*David Axe* *Security, * Who has the advantage? A photograph of a Shanghai shipyard appears to reveal China’s massive naval buildup. But appearances can be deceiving. Yes, China is growing and modernizing its fleet. No, the country isn’t about to overtake the United States when it comes to naval power. *Forbes* writer H.I. Sutton highlighted the December 2019 photo, which apparently depicts no fewer than nine destroyers and an aircraft carrier under construction or fitting out at the yard. “To put that into context, the Royal Navy’s entire destroyer fleet is just six ships,” Su... more »
Russia's Su-35 Is Too Good For Its Own Good
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, * And its shaking up Russian defense planning. *Key point:* The Su-35 was meant to be a stopgap until the Su-57 arrived, but it has become much more. “A unique machine, a deadly aerial fist,” is how the official television channel of the Russian Ministry of Defense introduced the Su-35S superiority fighter earlier this week. TV Zvezda’s *three-minute* clip of a recent Su-35S training sortie over Syria provides close-up shots of the fighter jet being prepped for flight, taking off, cruising over the Syrian coast, and firing flares. On their *youtube a... more »
The U.S. Military Wants to Buy a Big Chunk of Switzerland's Air Force
*David Axe* *Security, * U.S. lawmakers are close to finalizing the Pentagon’s budget for 2020. The $738-billion National Defense Authorization Act should allow the U.S. Navy to acquire 22 used F-5E/F Tiger fighters from Switzerland for around $40 million. U.S. lawmakers are close to finalizing the Pentagon’s budget for 2020. The $738-billion National Defense Authorization Act should allow the U.S. Navy to acquire 22 used F-5E/F Tiger fighters from Switzerland for around $40 million. The purchase arguably is a serious loss for the Swiss air force. The F-5s are at least 35 years... more »
This Is How The U.S. Army And Marines Are Planning To Bring Down Enemy Navies
*David Axe* *Security, * There’s precedent for equipping the U.S. land services with anti-ship weaponry. *Key point: *U.S. ground forces can help the Navy control the seas, from land. U.S. Army soldiers and U.S. Marines need to become ship-killers, one Marine Corps lieutenant argued. With the Chinese and Russian fleets fielding more and better ships and missiles and the U.S. Navy struggling to grow its own fleet, it’s time for American ground troops to contribute to naval battles, 1st Lt. Walker Mills argued in *Proceedings*, the professional journal of the U.S. Naval Institut... more »
Nazi Germany Lost World War II When It Couldn't Defeat British Industrial Might
*James Holland* *History, Europe* An author challenges the conventional thinking on what won the war. *Key point:* Histories of World War II have focused on strategy and tactics, but logistics was the key to defeating Nazi Germany. The Second World War remains an enduringly fascinating subject, but despite the large number of films, documentaries, books and even comics on the subject, our understanding of this catastrophic conflict, even seven decades on, remains heavily dependent on conventional wisdom, propaganda and an interpretation skewed by the information available. In m... more »
The Truth Is Out There: The Search for Alien Life Continues
*Alexander Brasier* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] ‘Microfossils’ can fool scientists. Earth’s oldest fossils may be billions of years old – although such claims are highly controversial. These kinds of discoveries usually start with finding what appear to be preserved outlines of microscopic lifeforms that look similar to microbe fossils found in much younger rocks. The rewards for exploring truly ancient life are high, because as well as providing a glimpse at some of the earliest life on Earth, these microfossils can also act as a model for what evidence we might find f... more »
Despite Its Enemies Best Efforts, The M-14 Rifle Refuses To Die
*Matthew Moss* *Security, * Here's why. *Key point: *Truthfully, the story of the M-14 *is *the story of how the Army wanted to build a better Garand. Critics said the M-14 was what happened when the U.S. government took many years and spent millions of dollars designing a rifle that was really just a glorified M-1 Garand from World War II. The M-14 was the U.S. military’s last battle rifle. It appeared in 1959—the contemporary of the Pentagon’s first jet fighters and ICBMs. With its heavy steel parts and walnut stock, the M-14 looked positively archaic. It was hardly a Space A... more »
No Surprise: The Army's M14 Rifle Does Not Have Many Fans
*Charlie Gao* *Security, Americas* It doesn't handle easily. *Key point:* Bad experiences with the M14 aren’t exclusive to Americans. The M14 is the U.S. military’s worst service rifle. It served as the standard-issue rifle for just six years—by the most generous estimates, half that of the U.S. Army’s second shortest serving rifle, the Krag-Jørgensen. The design itself is fraught with problems. The process of creating it was even worse and led to the dissolution of the U.S. Ordnance Corps and Springfield Armory, the largest producer of American military small arms in history. T... more »
See This Boring Looking Plane? It Could Turn the F-35 Into a Wonder Weapon.
*Sebastien Roblin* *Technology, Americas* [image: Reuters] How good is it? *Key point:* The Pentagon needs modern tankers to ensure its planes can strike far-away targets. In 2018 the Air Force plans to bring its first eighteen KC-46A refueling tankers into service—paving the way for the replacements of its vast fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers that date back to the 1950s. The Pegasus should prove significantly more efficient and survivable than its predecessor, but its final rounds of testing have been bedeviled by a few persistent bugs. Sleek warbirds like the F-15 Eagle and the ... more »
Imperial Japan Feared The Battleship USS Massachusetts For Good Reason
*Robert Farley* *History, Asia* A destroyer of battleships. *Key point:* USS *Massachusetts* returned to the United States after the war, and decommissioned in 1947. The U.S. Navy began construction of its first fast battleships in 1937, with the two ships of the North Carolina class. The restrictions of the Washington and London Naval Treaties had imposed a battleship “holiday,” and mandated limits on the size of new warships. Treaty requirements limited displacement to thirty-five thousand tons, and (after Japan’s exit from the treaty triggered an escalator clause) gun size to... more »
Here's How to Measure the Power of China's Navy
*Kyle Mizokami* *Security, Asia* [image: Reuters] Big trouble. *Key point:* Beijing is speeding ahead with a large naval buildup. Many of China’s ship classes—including the Type 054A, Type 056, and even the Type 052D—have been built so rapidly their construction runs are complete or could be completed within one to three years. Unless the PLAN is geared towards some massive effort to outmatch the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, surface ship construction should start winding down, leaving carriers, amphibious assault ships, and exports in the queue. The breakneck pace of Chinese naval ... more »
A real journalist Aaron Maté
The Democrats claim their articles of impeachment against Trump are a solid case. The Nation and Grayzone contributor Aaron Maté argues that they are actually quite weak, and only serve corporate Democrats' interest in feeding Russiagate paranoia. Is this a modern example of 'bread and circus? Take a peek under the tent and see for yourself.... more »
Teamsters Local 445 endorses David Carlucci in New York’s 17th congressional district
Labor Union With more than 3,400 members backs Senator Carlucci for NY-17 (New City, NY) – Today, Democratic congressional candidate, State Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) was endorsed by Teamsters Local 445 for New York’s 17th congressional district. Teamsters Local 445 represents
State’s Autism Advisory Board meets ahead of 2020 legislative session
Statewide initiative leads the way on finding solutions to challenges families affected by autism face each day The New York State’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Advisory Board held its annual public meeting yesterday. This initiative is unique to New York
Skoufis releases investigative report on public authorities and IDAs, finds urgent need for reform
In March of 2019, Senator James Skoufis, Chair of the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, opened an investigation into the compliance and practices of public authorities, including industrial development agencies (IDAs), across New York State. The Committee issued
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