10:14 pm MST
Sunday Morning Links
This and that for your Sunday reading. - Kevin Drum writes about the need to address the climate crisis as a war for the future of humanity. And Will Wade reports on new research showing that we'll earn back more than the price of a rapid transition from fossil fuels to clean energy within less than a decade. And Ashley Martin discusses the need to combine climate action with social equity. - Peter McCartney questions the contrived outrage from the oilpatch at the Lib government which has gifted it an eleven-figure pipeline. And Scott Schmidt laments the UCP's choice to use tens of ... more »
Tesco suspends Chinese supplier after secret message found in Christmas card
Just In - 16 hours ago
A six-year-old London girl finds a secret message in a Christmas card, purporting to be from a foreigner imprisoned in Shanghai who is being forced to work against their will.
Chris Lynn falls a few metres short of fastest Big Bash century
Just In - 16 hours ago
An explosive session of Lynnsanity ends six runs short of another BBL century as the Brisbane Heat star puts the Sydney Sixers to the sword.
Trump Always Appeals To Our Darkest Angels, Never Our Better Angels... And Independent Voters In Arizona Are Repulsed
Just before midnight on Friday night, the *Washington Post* published a piece by Ashley Parker about the American president that would have shocked and astounded any time traveler from back at any point in American history. It was about Trump's vicious, ugly mean streak. she wrote that over the past dozen days or so, the disgusting orange blob "has spewed forth an advent calendar’s worth of cruelty-- new barbs popping out almost daily, like so many tiny bitter chocolates-- underscoring the instinctual nastiness that is central to his brand and casting doubt on claims from his aide... more »
Argentina Passes Emergency Economic Law to Increase Taxes
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The Argentine Senate passed the economic emergency law. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, vice-president and, as such, president of the Senate, made her debut in a hectic evening session that ended minutes before 4 am on Saturday. The package of measures proposed by Alberto Fernández's government, with strong tax increases and […] The post Argentina Passes Emergency Economic Law to Increase Taxes appeared first on The Rio Times.
Brazilians Develop Cranial Reconstruction Technology
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Researchers from eight federal, state, and municipal institutions have developed a cranial reconstruction technology that will be able to assist patients in the Unified Health System (SUS). According to Fiocruz researcher and neurophysiologist Renato Rozental, coordinator of the multidisciplinary team, a prosthesis has been developed for reconstruction of extensive cranial […] The post Brazilians Develop Cranial Reconstruction Technology appeared first on The Rio Times.
The Allies Could Not Have Won World War II Without These Submarines
*Warfare History Network* *Security, Europe* Top secret missions, now revealed. *Key point: *On hundreds of special missions throughout World War II, American submarines performed myriad tasks, always at enormous risk to the crews and their boats. Sunsets over Manila Bay are nothing less than spectacular. Once the sun dips below the horizon there is a lingering illumination known as “blue hour” as the sky gradually shifts from pale azure to deep indigo before fading completely into the black tropical night. But for the men of USS Seawolfthere was no blue hour that warm January e... more »
How a South Pacific War Between America and China Might Begin
*Jared Samuelson* *Security, Asia* [image: Reuters] A cover for an attack on Taiwan? Celebes Sea, approximately 850 nautical miles from Fiery Cross Reef – 0030 Local “Romeo’s closed up,” came the call from the port bridge wing. Raising the red and yellow romeo flag to the top of the stays was the signal USS Omaha, an Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship, was beginning its approach to the Japanese oiler Mashu. Lieutenant Junior Grade Hassan Caterall’s hands betrayed a slight tremor as he flicked his eyes in the direction of his Executive Officer, the ship’s second-in-command.... more »
Telstra and UK telcos ignore warnings from health professionals, keep rolling out 5G
by Robert J Lee Drivers die after driving Smart Ambulances In Cornwall, England a protest group, Villagers Against Masts, launched local and national campaigns to call for greater scrutiny of mobile phone technology and coverage, citing serious concerns over health risks, especially mental health. VAM has alleged 5G-Enabled Smart Ambulance tests have contributed to multiple […]
Is a 2020 Landslide a GOP Unicorn?
From American Greatness: As we head into the most consequential election in our republic’s history, you can listen to what you want to hear, or what you need to hear. Understandably, most of the American electorate knows little to nothing about the science of winning elections. Though I profess no expertise myself, I do know much more than most political armchair quarterbacks, primarily because of having studied the 2016 data obsessively. Hillary Clinton was far closer to winning than most people realize, and whichever liar or crazy person Democrats nominate for 2020 will have the i... more »
Energy Analysts Deliver More Bad News for US Fracking Industry’s Business Model
The old business model of firms borrowing money from investors while hoping for future payouts on record-breaking wells no longer works.
The Perfect Patient
Note: The perfect patient turned 17 yesterday. Happy Birthday, Ronan! And thank you to Cathy for sharing her beautiful family and Sunday sermons of hope with each of us. By Cathy Jameson Before I sat down to look at the... more »
Sunday morning music
Enough with the Christmas muzak already! Let's have something that's both tuneful and prayerful. Words aren't necessary. First, here's Mannheim Steamroller with "Fum, Fum, Fum". It's a very old tune from Catalonia in Spain. (Lyrics at the link above.) Next, an ancient English air, "Greensleeves", the tune of which was adapted in the 19th century to the Christmas carol "What Child Is This?". Lindsey Stirling does the honors. Here's a hymn from the Orthodox Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which was set to music by Tchaikovsky in 1878. It's not Christmas music, strictl... more »
Untitled
*COP 25: Paris Accord destroyed* “Action Now!” radicalism has destroyed the slow moving, consensus based Paris Agreement. It is not just COP 25 that failed; the UN climate change machinery has collapsed. This is good news, even though the reason is bad news. I have been writing about the climate alarmism movement tearing itself apart for months now. For example here. The new radicalism is at war with the establishment moderates. This great gulf between radicals and moderates hit the COP 25 summit in Madrid with a vengeance. These annual summits are normally protracted exercises i... more »
‘Greta Thunberg’ Merchandise Hypocrisy, Toxic and Made in China!
Its been a few weeks since we last touched on everyone’s favourite activist superhero, so here we are again – this time its in relation to Greta Thunberg merchandise, yes you heard it right people actually buy this stuff! The Times has reported that despite a boom in the sale of Swedish eco-activist Greta Thunberg-related merchandise … The post ‘Greta Thunberg’ Merchandise Hypocrisy, Toxic and Made in China! appeared first on OYE Alternative News.
Greta’s Fears Of Climate Change Are Baseless
By Paul Homewood A very good summary of the unfounded fears about climate change. It’s fairly generalised, but is ideal for passing onto friends who are not interested in details: Climate Change Fears of Teen Activist Are Empirically Baseless
Silent night.
"Silent Night": Persecuted Palestinian Christians Kept Out of Sight by Raymond Ibrahim "In short, Palestinian Christians are suffering from the same patterns of persecution — including church attacks, kidnappings and forced conversion — that their coreligionists suffer in other Muslim nations. The difference, however, is that the persecution of Palestinian Christians has "received no coverage in the Palestinian media." [...] "The bread and butter of the PA and its supporters, particularly in the media, is to portray the Palestinians as victims of unjust aggression and discriminati... more »
Untitled
*Privileged background is most important factor in whether a British child goes to university, study finds* Having privileged parents is the most important factor for determining whether a student will go to university, a study has found. Academics from York University analysed data from 5,000 children born in the UK between 1994 and 1996 to see which factors were most important for predicting academic success. They found that the most crucial factor was having parents who are both highly educated and wealthy. This outweighed all other factors, including whether children had a hi... more »
Can This Gun Take on Glock or Sig Sauer?: Steyr Has a New A2 Modular Pistol
*Gun News Daily* *Technology, Americas* [image: https://www.steyr-arms.com/us/firearms/a2-mf-pistol] Who wants one? *Key Point:* How good is it? This year Steyr Arms surprised the gun industry when they announced that the Steyr A1 pistol would be no more. In its place has come the new Seyr A2 MF pistol, which essentially a modernized and revamped A1 designed to be more modular. On the A2 MF, you will notice a number of neat improvements over the previous A1 pistol, including new grip modules with swappable side panels, interchangeable backstraps, and new contours that greatly b... more »
Congress Has Yet To Take On Surprise Medical Billing
*David Kemp, Peter Van Doren* *Politics, * Whatever solution is eventually agreed upon, lawmakers should resist the temptation to specify the appropriate price in legislation. This week the House passed a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package. As *The New York Times* noted, the package contains “a giant potpourri of unrelated spending and policy measures stuffed full of priorities with enough appeal to each political party to ensure their passage through Congress and smooth their path to Mr. Trump’s desk.” Conspicuously missing, however, were provisions addressing surprise heal... more »
This World War II Marine Will Make You Proud Of America's 'Greatest Generation'
*Warfare History Network* *History, Americas* A true American hero. *Key point: *Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery and has not been forgotten: in July 1949, the destroyer USS Basilone (DD 824) was named in his honor. “Banzai! Banzai!” screamed the Japanese at the top of their lungs as they launched a ferocious night attack against Marines dug in on Guadalcanal. It was October 24, 1942, and the intensity of the Japanese assault in the darkness was terrifying. Through it all, however, Sergeant “Manila John” Basilone—his fellow Marines gave him that nickname beca... more »
Why the New Ruger LC9s Gun Is A Self Defense Beast (Better Than Glock?)
*Gun News Daily* *Security, Americas* An excellent, compact firearm. *Key Point: *A game-changer? Larger and more powerful than its predecessor the LCP, the LC9s is an excellent choice for those who want power in a discrete package. The Ruger LC9s is a lightweight, highly concealable nine millimeter pistol that ably functions not only as a home defense gun but also a concealed carry or backup weapon. Larger and more powerful than its predecessor the LCP, the LC9s is an excellent choice for those who want power in a discrete package. One of the lightest and most compact nine mi... more »
History Facts: Flamethrowers Have Fought In Wars For Centuries
*Warfare History Network* *History, Europe* The weapon’s appeal and deadly practicality were undeniable, especially at close range. *Key point: *Flamethrowers still remain in the arsenals of many armies today, however, and will never be entirely replaced as one of the most notorious terror weapons in the annals of modern combat. Perhaps the most primal and profound fear of men and animals alike is the fear of fire. With that in mind, fire has been a mainstay of combat for thousands of years, from burning arrows to scalding cauldrons of oil. However, it was not until 1913 that a ... more »
65,000 Tons Of Trouble: Meet the U.S. Navy's Montana-Class "Super Battleship"
*Robert Farley* *History, Americas* [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montana-class_battleship#/media/File:Montana_Class.png] Why was it discontinued before it was given a chance to sail? *Key point: *By the time the United States was going to start contructing these mammoth creations, they had already become outdated and surpassed by aircraft carriers. In the early 1940s, the U.S. Navy still expected to need huge, first rate battleships to fight the best that Japan and Germany had to offer. The North Carolina, South Dakota, and Iowa class battleships all involved design c... more »
The Best Guns for Use in the Snow (Glock and Ruger Made the List)
*Gun News Daily* *Technology, Americas* [image: http://i.imgur.com/pVYCAru.jpg] Winter warfare. If there’s anything that can wreck absolute havoc on the finish of your firearms, it’s rain and snow. Traditional firearm finishes such as bluing may look absolutely gorgeous, but they offer precious little protection against moisture, and when rust and corrosion sets in it can absolutely devastate the aesthetic looks and the monetary value of your firearms. Fortunately, you can avoid these kinds of issues by investing in an all-weather firearm that is built out of materials and has a... more »
An irreversible chain reaction of toxic statements
“Greta Thunberg: “Around 2030 we will be in a position to set off an irreversible chain reaction beyond human control that will lead to the end of our civilization as we know it.” ” ” Extinction Rebellion: “It is understood … Continue reading →
Seasons Greetings
As we approach the start of the year we choose call 2020 which but represents but a small portion of the time that mankind has roamed this ball of dirt we call earth and I approach my 74th year of stumbling around on it I am in a thoughtful frame of mind. This 'holiday is predicated on the 'celebration' of the birth of one particular individual many centuries ago and many folk still remember it as such, however many do not, either subscribing to other 'religions' or not finding the need to 'worship' an entity or individual, real or imagined, past or present, in order to treat our fe... more »
After Scandals and Losses, Port of Santos Cuts Costs to Target Privatization
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL - Involved in a series of scandals in recent years, Latin America's largest port complex is undergoing restructuring with a view to privatization. Since the beginning of the year, Companhia Docas do Estado de São Paulo (São Paulo State's Dock Company - CODESP), now called the Santos Port Authority (SPA), has implemented […] The post After Scandals and Losses, Port of Santos Cuts Costs to Target Privatization appeared first on The Rio Times.
Small Caps: Small-sized Companies’ Shares Perform Better on the Stock Market
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Small-cap funds were the most profitable type of equity investment fund in the 12-month period ended in November 2019: 40 percent, according to the most recent data released by the Brazilian Association of Financial and Capital Market Institutions (ANBIMA). These funds privilege securities of amounts deemed low in the stock […] The post Small Caps: Small-sized Companies’ Shares Perform Better on the Stock Market appeared first on The Rio Times.
Bolsonaro Aims to Raise Personal Income Tax Threshold to R$3,000 per Month
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - President Jair Bolsonaro announced yesterday, December 21st, that the threshold above which taxpayers must declare Individual Income Tax (IR) will be raised. The decision, he said, is in its final stages. The ceiling would rise from the current R$2,349.98 (US$587.5) to R$3,000. As a result, those earning up to this […] The post Bolsonaro Aims to Raise Personal Income Tax Threshold to R$3,000 per Month appeared first on The Rio Times.
More Protests In Minsk Belarus Against Integration with Russia
Thaddeus Kosciuszko, born in Belarus, fought for American freedom in the American Revolution. The American people need to be in … Continue reading →
CO2 has its benefits
ost plants grow 1) much faster, 2) healthier, 3) stronger, 4) use water more efficiently, 5) grow much more efficiently in higher altitudes and drier locations, 6) handle heat better, 7) handle all types of stresses better, and 8) are often more pest resistant - with more C02 in the air. The post CO2 has its benefits appeared first on CFACT.
Alas, poor Biggins!
*Dame*: *My husband fell into a huge vat of granulated coffee and was never seen again. It was a terrible way to go but at least it was instant. * Mark Mardell told Paddy this morning about a festive feature coming up on today's *The World This Weekend*: 'He's behind you! Oh no she isn't!'. In these gender-fluid days why pantomime is doing less cross-dressing. Oh Gawd! Isn't it tempting to follow Snow White is into a ‘sleeping death’ till this nonsense passes? What do you mean you've never heard of ‘sleeping death’? You’ve obviously never listened to Radio 4's *Sunday* programm... more »
Steve couldn't leave because 'the road was on fire', so he grabbed an extinguisher and climbed in a kiln
Extraordinary stories are coming out of the NSW Southern Highlands village of Balmoral, which was decimated by the weekend's bushfires.
Sleigh Ride on a Sunny Winter Day
Sleigh ride on a Sunny Winter Day by Peder Mørk Mønsted 1919 Oil on Canvas (Private Collection)#iceandsnowpainters pic.twitter.com/XwqM7jefVY — John Constable (@JohnConstableRA) December 21, 2019
"The winter sun is so weak. It strains to lift the weight of morning".
'The puddle bathers' by contemporary Glasgow printmaker Fiona Watson #womensart #WinterSolstice pic.twitter.com/NxJ6RUy3zT — #WOMENSART (@womensart1) December 22, 2019
Australian Daily Wind Power Generation Data – Saturday 21st 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 […]
I Went Through World War II Hell as the Crew Chief of a C-47
*Warfare History Network* *History, Americas* [image: Reuters] This is my story. Elmer Wisherd was born on December 1, 1920, in North Dakota. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to a farm in Bruce, Wisconsin. When World War II broke out, he enlisted in the Army, hoping to become a pilot. That dream was not realized, but he became an aviation mechanic and, eventually, a crew chief on Douglas C-47 Dakota aircraft. This is his story. I was inducted into the Army on September 12, 1942, and began my basic training at Bowman Field in Louisville, Kentucky. After basic, I was shipped t... more »
Why Hitler And Nazi Germany Feared They Very Dangerous 'Special' Forces
*Warfare History Network* *History, Europe* “We were to be terrorists. Our job was to terrorize the Germans.” *Key point: *Accepting just one candidate in 25, the Special Boat Service is now acknowledged as one of the toughest and most secretive units of its kind in the world. “We were to be terrorists. Our job was to terrorize the Germans,” one former member said dramatically. Another more prosaically likened it to poaching: “Creep in, set the traps, hang about, collect the spoils, and get away without being caught.” Both descriptions were equally appropriate in describing one ... more »
The Birth Of The Combat Pistol Ushered In A New Age Of Warfare
*Warfare History Network* *Technology, Europe* And changed Europe forever. *Key point: *With the rise of the pistol came the death of the last vestiges of medieval knightly behavior. By the late 15th Century, early firearm designers were already looking at ideas for semi-automatic weapons. The matchlock had been the first mechanism to make a shoulder-aimed firearm, the arquebus, possible. It was simple, economical, and reliable—just the traits for useful military applications—but it required two hands and a smoldering, slow matchcord with telltale smoke and glow. Shortly after ... more »
The Communists Never Recovered From This Decisive Korean War Battle
*Warfare History Network* *History, Asia* 1951 in the Kapyong River Valley. *Key point: *It is estimated that about 6,000 Chinese attacked the defenders at Kapyong. The Chinese always attacked at night. It was April 22, 1951, and the Communists had just launched the largest offensive of the Korean War. Nearly 350,000 troops, spread out across the Korean Peninsula from the Imjin River to the Sea of Japan, slammed into thinly held U.N. positions. The heaviest blows fell in the west and west-central sectors, manned by the American I and IX Corps. The Eighth Army, a multinational fo... more »
These 100-Year Old Gun Designs Are Amazing: Best Colt 1911s Money Can Buy
*Gun News Daily* *Security, Americas* [image: https://www.hyattgunstore.com/images/D/1339304-IMG_1815.jpg] The best. *Key Point:* They might be old, but they sure are deadly. Ah, the Colt 1911. No, not just any 1911. Specifically the Colt 1911. For some reason, there’s just something more fun and classic about saying “Colt 1911” rather than “Springfield 1911” or “Kimber 1911” or “Ruger 1911” or whatever have you. That’s not to say that all other manufacturers of the 1911 are bad, because it’s absolutely not true. Springfield, Kimber, Ruger, among many, many other manufacturers ... more »
Undoing ‘Obamacare’ Could Harm More Than the Health of Americans
*Simon F. Haeder* *Health, Americas* [image: Reuters] Open enrollment for health care in the ACA marketplaces ended at 3 a.m., Dec. 18, 2019, the same day a panel ruled that the individual mandate is unconstitutional. The Affordable Care Act remains on life support after a panel of federal judges ruled on Dec. 18, 2019 that the law’s individual mandate requiring people to buy health insurance is unconstitutional. The decision hobbles the law in ways that are hard to predict politically, particularly in the upcoming election year. It also raises questions for the 20 million peopl... more »
Love Transcends All - A Quotation by M.N. Hopkins
*To read more of my quotations, please click on the link below:* *Quotations by M.N. Hopkins* *or visit:* *Pinterest*
When Humanity Can Let Go Of....A Guest Post by Michael Brine
*When Humanity can let go of being controlled through fear and resist judging others, and follow the deeper urgings of their hearts then, and only then, will we be able to soar to new heights of understanding, letting go of the shackles that we have allowed to bind us, discovering some of the very real mysteries that when understood will move us to new heights of awareness.* *© *Michael Brine
Brazilian Fascist Integralismo Movement Returns, Strives for Power
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - “Deus, patria e família,” (“God, country and family”) is the motto of the Frente Integralista Brasileira, a modern reincarnation of the Integralist movement founded by writer Plínio Salgado in 1932. Known as FIB, at the beginning of November the right-wing group realized its first public manifestation wearing its traditional green […] The post Brazilian Fascist Integralismo Movement Returns, Strives for Power appeared first on The Rio Times.
Rio’s Historic Heritage Buildings Will Undergo Restoration Works
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - In addition to the headquarters building of the Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), the National Library, the National Museum of Fine Arts (MnBA) and the National Historical Museum (MHN) will also be renovated. The total funds, i.e. R$90 million (US$22.5 million), will come from the Fund for […] The post Rio’s Historic Heritage Buildings Will Undergo Restoration Works appeared first on The Rio Times.
Magazine Luiza Authorized to Buy ‘Estante Virtual’
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), Brazil's antitrust agency, has authorized Magazine Luiza to purchase the 'Estante Virtual'. The decision, published on Friday, December 20th, in the Federal Gazette, finds that the deal will not lead to the dominance of companies in the book retail sector. The 'Estante Virtual', […] The post Magazine Luiza Authorized to Buy ‘Estante Virtual’ appeared first on The Rio Times.
How Can Investigation of Flávio Bolsonaro Affect the President’s Future?
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The progress of investigations into an alleged practice of salary "splitting" kickbacks in the office of current Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, at the time when he was serving as a deputy in ALERJ (Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly), brought an old crisis back to the Planalto Palace. In recent days, […] The post How Can Investigation of Flávio Bolsonaro Affect the President’s Future? appeared first on The Rio Times.
The Trajectory of Militia Outlaw Implicated in Flávio Bolsonaro’s Alleged Kickbacks by Prosecutors
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The money trail followed by the Rio de Janeiro Prosecutor's Office in the investigation of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro reaches the hands of a former BOPE officer. He is the former captain of the Rio de Janeiro State Police, Adriano Magalhães da Nóbrega, accused of being the leader of a militia […] The post The Trajectory of Militia Outlaw Implicated in Flávio Bolsonaro’s Alleged Kickbacks by Prosecutors appeared first on The Rio Times.
Uruguay Records Drop in Marijuana Trafficking after Legalization
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The government of Uruguay has seen a sharp reduction in illegal marijuana trafficking in the first four years after legalization under state control. However, according to the police, the seizures have remained relatively constant since the adoption of this pioneering measure worldwide. The contradiction, which still has no clear explanation, […] The post Uruguay Records Drop in Marijuana Trafficking after Legalization appeared first on The Rio Times.
Bolsonaro Administration Is Disapproved by 53 Percent of Population – IBOPE Poll
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The IBOPE (Brazilian Institute of Public Opinion and Statistics) released a survey on Friday, commissioned by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), which shows that 53 percent of people do not approve of the way President Jair Bolsonaro governs. Those who approve add up to 41 percent and six percent […] The post Bolsonaro Administration Is Disapproved by 53 Percent of Population – IBOPE Poll appeared first on The Rio Times.
Conversations
I *Peter Hitchens*: The BBC has no right to meddle in this crude cheap way with Charles Dickens's 'Christmas Carol': "The BBC plans to rewrite Charles Dickens tonight, complete with the f-word and a scene showing a character urinating on a grave. It has no right to do so." *David*: No doubt done deliberately to get media backlash & increase audience figures. *Peter Hitchens*: I’m not sure this is true about the ‘backlash’. Though yes, it is about numbers. The BBC genuinely think the ‘Peaky Blinders’ appproach to the past is a good one. This mad incomprehensible rubbish gets good r... more »
Buckwheat, Barley Flakes, And Butter
A brief introduction to Rolled Barley Flakes, Buckwheat, and cooking them in a thermos or with minimal fuel burn. Continue reading →
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