Monday, December 30, 2019

30 December - Blogs I'm Following - 3 of 5

10 pm MST

World News Briefs -- December 30, 2019

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 11 hours ago
*MIDDLE EAST* US attacks *Iran-backed militia bases in Iraq and Syria.* Iran, Iraq governments* condemn U.S. airstrikes targeting Iraqi militia.* Top Iraqi militia chief* warns of tough response to US air strikes on Iraq, Syria-based groups.* Yemen: *Houthis blamed for attack on military parade.* Iraq protesters *blockade oilfield, rally in southern cities.* Iraq: Operations resume *at Nasiriya oilfield closed over protests.* Zaghari-Ratcliffe *to go on hunger strike for fellow detainee in Iran.* More nuclear energy for Turkey *as Russia starts work on 2nd power unit for Akkuyu ... more »

Once it was the banks that were too big to fail, now it is the financial bubble

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 11 hours ago
30 December 2019 — theplanningmotivedotcom A BUBBLE TOO BIG TO FAIL ‘The global economy was an economy of two halves, the halve-nots and the halves- everything. I have pointed out a number of times, that in many major economies, especially the biggest of them all, the USA, the top 10% spend as much as the … Continue reading Once it was the banks that were too big to fail, now it is the financial bubble

Fake “Farmer Willi” part of an international fake parade

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 11 hours ago
Five thousand tractors caused severe disruption in Berlin last week as farmers protested against the German government’s environmental protection policies. These include plans to limit the use of fertiliser in order to tackle nitrate pollution in groundwater, and to phase out glyphosate by 2023 to protect biodiversity.

Trinidad and Tobago’s proposed medical cannabis law advances

Matt Lamers at Marijuana Business Daily - 11 hours ago
A proposed law to establish the legal footing for a medical marijuana industry in Trinidad and Tobago was referred to a parliamentary committee earlier this month after overcoming a key vote in the House of Representatives. The committee will consider and report on the general merits of the Cannabis Control Bill before issuing a final […] Trinidad and Tobago’s proposed medical cannabis law advances is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs

As Robots Take Over Warehousing, Workers Pushed to Adapt

AP News at Snopes.com - 11 hours ago
Keeping pace with the warehouse bots could be taking a toll on human workers’ health, safety, and morale.

Did Trump Say ‘I Have Done More For Christianity Than Jesus’?

Dan Evon at Snopes.com - 11 hours ago
A routine review of content labeled satire.

Forest Ecologist Helps Refashion Barbie Dolls as Scientists

AP News at Snopes.com - 11 hours ago
Nadkarni joined a team of female scientists advising Mattel as it made the line of dolls that includes a marine biologist, astrophysicist, photojournalist, conservationist and entomologist.

China Convicts 3 Researchers Involved in Gene-Edited Babies

AP News at Snopes.com - 11 hours ago
A Chinese scientist who set off an ethical debate with claims that he had made the world's first genetically edited babies was sentenced to three years in prison because of his research.

US Retaliates Against Kataib Hezbollah Raising Question Of What Comes Next?

Joel Wing at MUSINGS ON IRAQ - 11 hours ago
US struck 5 Kataib Hezbollah camps in Iraq and Syria (Reuters) On December 29, the U.S. fired missiles at three Kataib Hezbollah bases in Iraq and two in Syria. Kataib Hezbollah claimed that 25 of its fighters including a brigade commander and 51 others were wounded in Anbar. Reportedly, three Iranians lost their lives as well. This was the first time that the Trump administration responded to Iranian provocation in Iraq. This was retaliation for the December 27 attack upon the K1 military base just outside of Kirkuk city that killed two Iraqi police, a U.S. contractor, and woun... more »

New York Times Cites White Nationalist Eugenicist in Piece Titled “the Secrets of Jewish Genius”

Alan Macleod at MintPress News - 11 hours ago
In his column entitled “The Secrets of Jewish Genius,” Bret Stephens pondered the question why Jews had achieved so much despite constituting such a small part of the world’s population. For him, the answer lay in their genetic superiority. The post New York Times Cites White Nationalist Eugenicist in Piece Titled “the Secrets of Jewish Genius” appeared first on MintPress News.

For Roman Emperors, Surviving The First Year Was Hardest

News Staff at Science 2.0 blogs - 11 hours ago
As a new Roman emperor, your risk of death was high, but it declined as time went on, according to a new analysis. And over 70 rulers, the progression was predictable. Historical records show that of 69 rulers of the unified Roman Empire, 43 (62 percent) suffered violent deaths - assassination, suicide or combat. Historical accounts typically examine each death as a single, random event alongside individual contributing factors such as allegiances and wealth. The military got a bonus from a new Emperor so there were periods when turnover was linked to the financial effect, for exam... more »

Recreational Marijuana Purchases Without ID Are Common - 71 Percent Allowed It, Even For Kids

News Staff at Science 2.0 blogs - 11 hours ago
Though young people are able to obtain alcohol and drink it, their ability to buy alcohol at point of sale is almost nonexistent. That is not the case with recreational cannabis, where early adopter states have a shocking 37 percent rate of youth being able to purchase marijuana. In recreational only cannabis stores, 71 percent were able to purchase without a valid ID showing they were of legal age. read more

This Day In Iraqi History - Dec 30

Joel Wing at MUSINGS ON IRAQ - 11 hours ago
1959 Qasim govt passed Law of Personal Status Equalized inheritance for men and women Restricted polygamy Set legal marrage age at 18 2002 For Sec Straw and Sec of State Powell thought UN inspections would not provide smoking gun against Iraq so alternatives needed 2002 UN inspectors said they had gone to all major suspected WMD sites and found nothing (Musings On Iraq article UN Inspectors Were Right Iraq Was Not A Threat) (Musings On Iraq article Iraq’s Rejection of UN Inspectors Led To Mistrust Over WMD and 2003 Invasion) 2002 Report Reagan admin and its Middle East envoy Rumsfel... more »

Ireland Will Effectively Ban Gas Cars in Ten Years. Is This Coming To America?

Chris White at The National Interest - 11 hours ago
*Chris White* *Politics, Europe* [image: Ireland's Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Leo Varadkar arrives for the second day of the European Union leaders summit dominated by Brexit, in Brussels, Belgium October 18, 2019. Olivier Matthys/Pool via REUTERS] The Democrats have wanted to... Ireland is fast-tracking legislation that will effectively ban all gas-powered vehicles within a decade, leaving customers who are buying cars in January confused about what to do next, local reports show. The country’s Climate Action Minister Richard Bruton plans to publish the Climate Action (Amendmen... more »

Surprise! When U.S. Fighters Approach Iran, Russia Jams Their Signal

David Axe at The National Interest - 11 hours ago
*David Axe* *Security, Middle East* [image: https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/MIDEAST-IRAN-TANKER-USA-RC1C230FB970.html] What's the goal of this cooperation? *Key Point:* Russia is using the Middle East as a testing ground for how it can interfere with American electronics. Russian forces have been jamming GPS systems in the Middle East. The electronic-warfare campaign could affect U.S. forces gathering in the region in advance of potential strikes on Iran. “Since last spring, pilots flying through the Middle East, specifically around Syria, have noted that their GPS systems... more »

Meet the BR4 Trooper: Could This Be the Ultimate Rifle for Police?

Mark Episkopos at The National Interest - 11 hours ago
*Mark Episkopos* *Security, * With the BR4 Trooper, BCR has carved out a place in a saturated tactical market by offering a robust ecosystem of customizability and customer service on top of an affordable mil-spec foundation. U.S. police departments didn’t issue guns until the end of the 19th century. Officers came into the job with their own personal firearms, which inevitably resulted in a hodgepodge of revolvers, pistols, and rifles across a great swathe of calibers. The standardization efforts of the following decades-- beginning with the NYPD’s widespread adoption of the Co... more »

Ask Lawfare: A Special Year-End Edition of the Lawfare Podcast

bwittes at Lawfare - 11 hours ago
It's the end of a very busy year. And we suspect that people have questions. So this week on the Lawfare Podcast, we will have answers. Most of the Lawfare crew will be in the Jungle Studio Friday morning answering listener questions and reaching out to other Lawfare contributors for their expertise. If you have a question for anyone in or around Lawfare, call us at ‪*(202) 599-5861*‬, wait through the rings, and leave a voicemail message with your question--and, if you have one in mind, please identify the specific Lawfare contributor you'd like to hear answer it. Warning: All me... more »

Turkey drops block on defence plan for Baltic states and Poland. Warsaw hits with SANCTIONS

Belit Onay at The Duran - 11 hours ago
Talking at the final press conference during the NATO summit in London NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg touted the meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a great success. “The important thing now is that all Allies agree on the new . . . not the new, but to the updated, revised defence plans for […] More The post Turkey drops block on defence plan for Baltic states and Poland. Warsaw hits with SANCTIONS appeared first on The Duran.

Syria considers suing Washington for Syrian oil theft and violating Syria’s sovereignty

InfoBrics at The Duran - 11 hours ago
Due to worldwide corruption and injustice at present times, the United States will neither be charged for war crimes against other countries nor for pillaging their resources. More The post Syria considers suing Washington for Syrian oil theft and violating Syria’s sovereignty appeared first on The Duran.

Georgia and Ukraine Joining NATO Will Likely Have the Opposite Effect Against Russia

InfoBrics at The Duran - 11 hours ago
NATO Is Divided in Their Russia Policy More The post Georgia and Ukraine Joining NATO Will Likely Have the Opposite Effect Against Russia appeared first on The Duran.

Blizzard in Vorkuta – Video

Robert at Ice Age Now - 11 hours ago
Heavy snow disrupts Salekhard Airport 29 Dec 2019 – The Department of Transport and Road Facilities of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug reported that Salekhard Airport is currently not accepting or sending airplanes due to heavy snow and blizzard. Wind gusts in some places reach 20 ms. According to the airport’s online scoreboard, 12 flights were delayed ... Read moreBlizzard in Vorkuta – Video The post Blizzard in Vorkuta – Video appeared first on Ice Age Now.

Record cold in Pakistan

Robert at Ice Age Now - 11 hours ago
Pakistan is currently in the grip of severe cold wave, with the mercury on Sunday, Dec 29 plunging to record-breaking -21C (-5.8F) in Skardu — a city located the central valley of Gilgit-Baltistan. According to local reports, the small canals and ponds in Skardu have been frozen due to the severe low temperature, while snowfall has also blocked ... Read moreRecord cold in Pakistan The post Record cold in Pakistan appeared first on Ice Age Now.

Blizzard warning for High Plains

Robert at Ice Age Now - 11 hours ago
Travel will be very difficult if not impossible. National Weather Service Aberdeen SD – 1155 AM Sun Dec 29 2019 …BLIZZARD WARNING UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT… …WINTER STORM WARNING FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON MONDAY… For the Blizzard Warning, additional snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. For the Winter ... Read moreBlizzard warning for High Plains The post Blizzard warning for High Plains appeared first on Ice Age Now.

Military And Intelligence News Reports -- December 30, 2019

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 11 hours ago
A filtered and enhanced version of the Planet Labs image that has been circulating online showing USS Abraham Lincoln in the middle of USS Farragut, sailing in front, and USS Leyte Gulf, following behind. A commercial tanker is seen sailing at the top right. The multitude of small Iranian boats are also clearly visible all around. PHOTO © 2019 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. *Warzone/The Drive:* *Navy Confirms Boat Swarm Seen Alongside Carrier Group In This Satellite Image Was Iranian* The image shows 18 small craft sailing next to the USS Abraham Lincoln and her escorts in ... more »

Bolivia Expels Mexican Ambassador and two Spanish Diplomats

Juan Martinez at The Rio Times - 11 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - The Bolivian interim government declared on Monday, December 30th, the Mexican ambassador Maria Teresa Mercado and the Spanish diplomats Cristina Borreguero and Álvaro Fernández as personas non gratas, giving them 72 hours to leave the country. "This group of representatives of the governments of Mexico and Spain has seriously damaged […] The post Bolivia Expels Mexican Ambassador and two Spanish Diplomats appeared first on The Rio Times.

Tourism in Japan: Buddhist holy place and stunning mountain views

Lee Jay at Modern Tokyo Times - 11 hours ago
Tourism in Japan: Buddhist holy place and stunning mountain views Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The adorable landscape of this part of Chiba from the lovely ropeway is a treat in itself. Yet, while the views initially soak up the hidden energy of the tourist, this is soon replenished further by […]

2020 Green Obstruction Targets

Ron Clutz at Science Matters - 11 hours ago
The remarkable turnaround in the US economy was achieved despite large and expensive Green efforts to stop economic projects and infrastructure. While needed energy pipelines and power plants remain unbuilt in coastal places like New York and California, the heartland will be a battleground for activists wanting to leave the best sources underground in favor […]

Should Racists Get Health Care?

Ron Paul at 11 hours ago
[image: undefined] Political correctness recently took a dangerous turn in the United Kingdom when the North Bristol National Health Service Trust announced that hospital patients who use offensive, racist, or sexist language will cease receiving medical care as soon as it is safe to end their treatment. The condition that treatment will not be withdrawn until doing so is safe seems to imply that no one will actually suffer from this policy. However, health-care providers have great discretion to determine when it is “safe” to withhold treatment. So, patients could be left with chro... more »

The INVINCIBLE Coconut Boy – Raw Since Birth

Erin Elizabeth at Health Nut News - 11 hours ago
Meet the teenage coconut boy. 100% raw since birth. The post The INVINCIBLE Coconut Boy – Raw Since Birth appeared first on Health Nut News.

Which Side Will James Lankford Take In The Coming Evangelical Civil War?

DownWithTyranny at DownWithTyranny! - 12 hours ago
In 2009 James Lankford stepped down as as the student ministries and evangelism specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and as director of the youth programming at the Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center in Davis, Oklahoma to run for Congress. His voting record is pure Trumpist and even before Trump, his record was fanatically far right. He claims to believe deeply in Jesus Christ. And yet, for example, he’s an anti-LGBTQ warrior. And so on. In the video of his appearance on *Face the Nation* Sunday he talked about how a president should be a role model for t... more »

Climate alarmist banks go carbon-colonialist

Paul Driessen, David Wojick at CFACT - 12 hours ago
Africa must move forward without them, using fossil and nuclear energy to build prosperity. The post Climate alarmist banks go carbon-colonialist appeared first on CFACT.

Turkish-backed militants send large number of forces to Idlib to stop Syrian Army offensive

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (4:00 P.M.) – A large number of militants were redeployed from northeastern Syria to the Idlib Governorate this week as they attempt to stop the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) offensive. According to reports, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army sent a large number of their fighters from the Al-Hasakah and Al-Raqqa governorates to the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Iraqi-US ties in jeopardy as Baghdad slams Washington over attack

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
US forces carried out airstrikes against five facilities belonging to Iraqi Shia militia group Kata’ib Hezbollah on Sunday, killing over two dozen people and injuring over 50 more following Friday’s deadly rocket attack on a US military base in northern Iraq. Iraqi President Barham Salih has condemned the US airstrikes on Iraq’s Kata’ib Hezbollah militia […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Syrian military seizes large cache of US and Israeli-made weapons: photos

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (2:10 P.M.) – The Syrian military announced on Sunday that their troops found large quantities of ammunition and weapons, some of them American and Israeli, in addition to quantities of narcotic drugs from the remnants of the terrorists in the southern region. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the Syrian military […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Russian Air Force launches new strikes in Aleppo as Syrian reinforcements pour in

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:30 P.M.) – The Russian Air Force carried out new strikes over the southern countryside of the Aleppo Governorate this week, targeting several sites under the control of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) and their allies. According to reports from this front, the Russian Air Force heavily targeted the jihadist positions south of the […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Turkish military attack kills several Syrian Army soldiers in northern Syria

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:10 P.M.) – The Turkish military carried out a heavy attack on the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) positions in the northern countryside of the Al-Raqqa Governorate yesterday. According to reports, the Turkish Army fired several artillery shells towards the Syrian Army’s positions near the town of Al-Fatseh, which is located in the ‘Ayn […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Russia’s Putin congratulates Syria’s Assad on new year

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin has wished his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad a happy New Year, the Kremlin press service said in a statement. “In his message of greetings to President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad, the Russian leader reaffirmed his commitment to further developing relations of friendship and cooperation with Syria and confirmed […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

Breaking: Syrian Army resumes Idlib offensive after short break

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:40 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has resumed their offensive in the southeastern countryside of the Idlib Governorate after brief hiatus last week. According to a military source, the Syrian Arab Army’s attack has begun with heavy artillery and rockets, while they receive nonstop support air support from Russian and SyAAF […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

First video of US attack on Iraq’s Kata’eb Hezbollah forces

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:20 P.M.) – The death toll for the U.S. strikes on the Kata’eb Hezbollah forces has risen over the last few hours following the efforts by the group to retrieve the dead in the aftermath. According to the reports, the Iraqi paramilitary group suffered at least 32 dead and more than 45 wounded […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

The Daily Brief 2019-12-28

News Desk at AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - 12 hours ago
This is a summary of 19 AMN articles on the following subjects: Hasakah, Syria, Iran, Russia, US, Libya, Tripoli, Idlib, Turkey, Jarjanaz, ISIS, China, Iraq, Daesh, Nigeria, Hama, Kirkuk. Categories covered in this brief: North-Africa, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, World-News Let us know how you like this brief in the comments below. — The AMN […] Source: AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز - The Arab Source

CONSERVATIVES WOULD RATHER HAVE A LIMITED BODY COUNT THAN NONE AT ALL

Steve M. at No More Mister Nice Blog - 12 hours ago
This is how the Texas church shooting looks to a local TV reporter and some local cops -- and to most of Red America: Six seconds is as long as it lasted at the church shooting this morning. For as many people there who were armed — one clearly had recurrent training, knew what to do and fired the fatal shot immediately ending the threat. That’s heroism. — Jason Whitely (@JasonWhitely) December 30, 2019 We’re so thankful for the minimal loss of life due to a Texan exercising his right to carry. We thank him for his heroic actions. — Sheriffs' Assoc of Texas (@TXSheriffs) December 30... more »

Pt. 1: Meddling Outsiders and Antagonistic/Conflicting Neighbours Around the Mediterranean Sea

Penny at Penny for your thoughts - 12 hours ago
We’ve long talked here about the remake the region (MENA) the one that’s been occurring since 2003 and the invasion of Iraq, but, one can go even further back to the invasion of Afghanistan. Generally when this topic is written about here the ‘03 date is used as the start date of the ‘birth pangs of the new middle east” The Mediterranean Sea, as mentioned, is currently the sea at the center of much conflict and competition. No different from it's past. - *The Mediterranean: "The Sea in the Middle of the Earth" Still Geostrategically Vital * *“Currently the Mediterranean is b... more »

Monty Python Star Neil Innes Dies Aged 75

AP News at Snopes.com - 12 hours ago
Innes was known for his work with the British comedy group Monty Python and The Bonzo Dog Band.

Shoppers Blast Online Vendor for Offensive Yarn Color Names

David Mikkelson at Snopes.com - 12 hours ago
Seemingly insignificant naming choices can be highly controversial if an understanding of local linguistic norms is lacking.

Wild speculation

sue at Is the BBC biased? - 12 hours ago
The British girl’s case (initial accusation, retraction and trial) about being gang-raped by 12 youthful Israeli holidaymakers while she was working in Cyprus has taken a turn for the worse. On the upside, as far as the BBC is concerned, it gives the news channel an excuse to move on from the spate of antisemitic incidents it has been obliged to dwell on in recent days, even if it couldn’t bring itself to engage with some of the inconvenient facts involved until it had no other choice. After all, other media outlets had already published the images of the perpetrator being arres... more »

Blast From the Past: Impeachment Lawyers Might Recycle Mueller Materials in Senate Trial

Kevin Daley at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Kevin Daley* *Politics, Americas* [image: Democratic 2020 U.S. presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) autographs a copy of The Mueller Report with] Again? Lawyers for the House Judiciary Committee told a federal appeals court Monday that congressional impeachment managers could use grand jury materials from former special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation in President Donald Trump’s Senate trial. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit asked House lawyers and the Department of Justice to address whether the House’s impeachment vote effective... more »

ISIS 'Christmas Gift': Beheading Ten Christians On Camera

Mary Margaret Olohan at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Mary Margaret Olohan* *Security, Africa* [image: A masked, black-clad militant, who has been identified by the Washington Post newspaper as a Briton named Mohammed Emwazi, brandishes a knife in this still image from a 2014 video obtained from SITE Intel Group February 26, 2015.] The militant group called it revenge for the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The Islamic State (IS) on Thursday released a video that allegedly shows the killing of 11 Christians, 10 of whom were beheaded. As part of a campaign to avenge the death of former IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Islamic Sta... more »

These 5 Guns Might Best the Glock

Charlie Gao at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Charlie Gao* *Security, Americas* [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CZ_75#/media/File:Czp01-001.jpg] What do you think? *Key Point:* Glock is good, but not universal. While the Glock is the most popular modern pistol, it may not be the best gun for everyone’s needs. Here are some alternatives to the Glock that could be better than it, and why. *1. STI 2011* The STI 2011 is an updated, double-stack 1911 chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W. Highly customized 2011s have dominated the American competition shooting scene due to their excellent single-action only triggers, high capacity... more »

In 2020, These Are the Guns You Need for Home Defense

Gun News Daily at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Gun News Daily* *Technology, * [image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beretta_M9#/media/File:M9-pistolet.jpg] We have the top 10. *Key point:* Protecting your home and family means having a gun you feel comfortable with. If you’re looking for an *effective home-defense weapon*, handguns are one of the most popular choices. *Why do so many people go with the handgun, especially when there are far more powerful guns available?* Their compact size makes it easy to store a handgun right next to your bed in a handgun safe specifically designed for getting your gun quickly in life ... more »

Scalise Excorciates Democrats' 'Weak Case' For Impeachment

Jason Hopkins at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Jason Hopkins* *Politics, Americas* [image: U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) prepares for a TV interview inside Statuary Hall prior voting in the U.S. House of Representatives on two articles of impeachment against U.S. President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., December 18, 2019] He said they should be backing Trump's focus on the economy instead. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise shredded the House impeachment trial and argued Sunday that lawmakers had no substantive evidence against President Donald Trump. Scalise, a Republican U.S. representative from Lou... more »

Unit 29155 Revealed: Russia's Indiscrete Hit Squad Has a Sloppy Track Record Across Europe

Sebastien Roblin at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Sebastien Roblin* *Security, * Unit 29155 Revealed: Moscow's Indiscrete Hit Squad Has a Sloppy Track Record Across Europe. A *New York Times *article by Michael Schwirtz draws attention to the murderous activities of Unit 29155, an entity in Russia’s GRU foreign military intelligence agency that has reportedly become well known to Western intelligence services due to a failed Bulgarian hit job in 2015. Indeed, events in the last few years have made clear how broadly and brazenly the Russian state resorts to assassination to remove its perceived enemies—whether former Chechen g... more »

U.S. Universities Roll Out China-Style Social Credit Tracking for Students

Chris White at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Chris White* *Technology, Americas* [image: People look at smartphones in Huawei's first global flagship store in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China October 30, 2019. REUTERS/Aly Song] 'They want those points,' one professor said. 'So, behaviorally, they change.' A handful of U.S. colleges are employing a type of social credit system through various technologies designed to track students as they attend courses and walk across campus. Universities across the country are using the so-called SpotterEDU app to connect with apps on students’ smartphones for the purpose of boosting ... more »

China Jails Pastor Nine Years for Calling Communist Party ‘Morally Incompatible With The Christian Faith’

Mary Margaret Olohan at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Mary Margaret Olohan* *Politics, Asia* [image: Chinese Catholics attend a mass in a church on Christmas Eve in Shanghai, China December 24, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song] 'It is merely a lie and temptation of demons,' the priest said in response. A Chinese court sentenced a priest to prison for nine years Monday after the priest called the Chinese Communist Party “morally incompatible with the Christian faith.” The court sentenced 46-year-old Pastor Wang Yi, who led the Protestant Early Rain Covenant Church in the Chinese city of Chengdu, for incitement of subversion of state power an... more »

Investigation: Hunter Biden Had IRS Lien for $113k in Unpaid Taxes During Time on Burisma Board

Andrew Kerr at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Andrew Kerr* *Politics, Americas* [image: January 20, 2009. REUTERS/Carlos Barria] What was he spending it on instead? *The IRS placed a tax lien on Hunter Biden for $112,805 in unpaid taxes from 2015, according to records the Daily Caller News Foundation obtained.* - *Biden served on the boards of the Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma Holdings and the Chinese private equity firm BHR Partners in 2015.* - *Biden has been accused of refusing to provide basic information about his finances in an ongoing paternity case in Arkansas.* The IRS placed a tax lien on Hun... more »

Biden Rejects Potential Subpoena: ‘This Impeachment Is About Trump’s Conduct, Not Mine’

Chris White at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Chris White* *Politics, Americas* [image: Former Vice President Joe Biden salutes supporters after the sixth 2020 U.S. Democratic presidential candidates campaign debate at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, U.S., December 19, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Blake] Will he follow the law? Former Vice President Joe Biden pushed back Saturday against calls for him to comply with a potential Senate subpoena regarding his son’s business dealings in Ukraine. Joe Biden suggested he has always complied with lawful orders, but noted he would reject pleas for his testimony durin... more »

Mexican Police Chief Nabbed in Killing of American Mormon Family

Jason Hopkins at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*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] How deep does it go? In a shocking development in the hunt to locate those responsible for the massacre of nine U.S. citizens at the hands of suspected cartel gunmen, authorities arrested a Mexican police chief. Federal authorities arrested Fidel Alejandro Villegas, the police chief of Janos... more »

What if China Offered a Nuclear Shield to North Korea?

Brian J. Kim at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Brian J. Kim* *Security, * Beijing would do this for one reason: denuclearization. Would Kim go for it? What if China offered a nuclear shield to North Korea in exchange for denuclearization? A nuclear umbrella is a guarantee by a nuclear weapons state to defend a non-nuclear allied state. It promotes nonproliferation by allowing states to access nuclear deterrence without nuclear weapons of their own. The American nuclear umbrella, for instance, is an important reason South Korea abandoned its nuclear ambitions in the 1970s. A Chinese nuclear shield over North Korea is a rea... more »

Does Congress Hate America?

Doug Bandow at The National Interest - 12 hours ago
*Doug Bandow* *Security, * President Donald Trump promised to put America first in his foreign policy. He hasn’t had much success—U.S. forces are still fighting every “endless war” he promised to stop—but at least he theoretically has his priorities right. In contrast, Congress appears to hate America. Legislators of both parties consistently put other nations first. President Donald Trump promised to put America first in his foreign policy. He hasn’t had much success—U.S. forces are still fighting every “endless war” he promised to stop—but at least he theoretically has his prio... more »

Turkish Intervention in Libya – Has Ankara Split its Militants’ Ranks in Northern Syria?

21wire at 21st Century Wire - 12 hours ago
*Khaled Iskef* | Time will tell whether this bold move will undermine Turkey's lofty regional ambitions.

Afghan Taliban Slam Reports That They Are About To Declare A Ceasefire

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 12 hours ago
Clarification by spokesman of Islamic Emirate concerning propaganda about ceasefirehttps://t.co/rGATwjbbgb "The reality of the situation is that the Islamic Emirate has no intention of declaring a ceasefire." https://t.co/gO0eDJgEq7 pic.twitter.com/sPobGaJTFw — Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) December 30, 2019 *France 24:* *Taliban slams ‘baseless reports' of ceasefire plans* The Taliban on Monday denied agreeing to any ceasefire in Afghanistan after rumours swirled of a potential deal that would see a reduction in fighting after more than 18 years of war. In ... more »

Going Full “Woke”: Statement About Indian-land Theft Read Before Christmas Play

Selwyn Duke at rss - 12 hours ago
[image: going-full-woke-statement-about-indian-land-theft-read-before-christmas-play] Imagine attending a performance of *A Christmas Carol*, and the “first act” is a lecture about how the theater sits on “sacred,” stolen Indian land.

Japanese Report Is Saying that North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un's Slush Fund Is Running Out

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 12 hours ago
Kim Jong-un calls for ‘positive & offensive’ measures to ensure N. Korea’s security amid stalled denuclearization talks with US *UPI*: *Kim Jong Un slush fund running out, report says* Dec. 30 (UPI) -- A North Korean slush fund established exclusively for Kim Jong Un's use could be running out of money, according to a Japanese press report. Tokyo Shimbun reported Monday "Fund No. 216," a stash of money the North Korean leader inherited from father Kim Jong Il, retains less than $1 billion. When Kim Jong Un inherited the fund, it was worth about $4 billion to $5 billion. A North ... more »

The Tyler Doctrine and War Powers

MWaxman at Lawfare - 12 hours ago
"Lahaina, from the Anchorage", wood-engraving by Benson John Lossing and William Barritt, 1854 (Source: Wikimedia) On this day in 1842, President John Tyler announced to Congress that the United States would henceforth protect the Hawaiian (or Sandwich) islands from European control. Like its older and better-known cousin, the Monroe Doctrine, this Tyler Doctrine posed a challenge for American diplomacy and constitutional war powers: The president had vast power to threaten military acts of war but generally lacked authority to carry them out absent congressional approval, so main... more »

Family Gets $12m After Video Showed Cop Taser Son Riding ATV—from Patrol Car—Killing Him

Matt Agorist at The Free Thought Project - 12 hours ago
[image: atv]After horrifying video showed a cop kill a boy on an ATV by firing his taser from his patrol car window, the family has received a $12 million settlement.

Cops Responding to 911 Call, Find Asst. Chief Sexually Assaulting Small Children

Matt Agorist at The Free Thought Project - 12 hours ago
[image: chief]An Assistant Police Chief in Oklahoma is currently in jail without bail after a 911 call led to him being caught sexually abusing two small children.

Leftist TV News Host Rachel Maddow Argues that Her Words Are Not Facts As Her Defense in a Lawsuit Accusing Her of Defamation

ZeroHedge and Breitbart at Need To Know - 12 hours ago
Maddow's lawyers argued that the news star's statement was "rhetorical hyperbole, incapable of being proved true or false." But, it can be proven false. Maddow, a graduate of Stanford and Oxford Universities and a Rhodes Scholar, is not the sort of person an audience would expect to misuse the word “literally.”

Kim Jong Un Calls For 'Positive And Offensive' Security Measures To Protect North Korea’s Security

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 12 hours ago
*Daily Mail:* *Kim Jong Un calls for 'offensive measures' ahead of New Year speech expected to lay out North Korea's 'new way' forward in wake of US sanctions* * Kim Jong Un has threatened to seek a 'new way' forward in dialogue with the US * North Korean leader said country should take 'offensive measures' on its security * He said he wanted to 'fully ensure the sovereignty and security of the country' * Nuclear talks between Kim and US stalled since the collapse of February summit North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for 'offensive measures' to strengthen security as a w... more »

Togo’s Agriculture Minister Announces Total Ban on Glyphosate Herbicides

Sustainable Pulse at Sustainable Pulse - 13 hours ago
In the West African country of Togo, it is now prohibited to ‘import, market or use glyphosate and any product containing it ‘. The decision was formalized just before Christmas by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Production and Fisheries, Noel Koutera Bataka. Source: Togo First Bataka has additionally granted a moratorium of 12 months for all current […] The post Togo’s Agriculture Minister Announces Total Ban on Glyphosate Herbicides appeared first on Sustainable Pulse.

Disgraced Chinese Scientist Who Genetically Edited Human Babies is Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

Sustainable Pulse at Sustainable Pulse - 13 hours ago
The disgraced Chinese scientist who led the genetic editing of human babies was sentenced to three years in prison today for undertaking illegal medical practices. Source: Daily Mail He Jiankui shocked the scientific community when he announced in 2018 the birth of twins whose genes he claimed had been altered to confer immunity against HIV. […] The post Disgraced Chinese Scientist Who Genetically Edited Human Babies is Sentenced to Three Years in Prison appeared first on Sustainable Pulse.

After U.S. Strike On Iraqi Forces Its Troops Will (Again) Have To Leave

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 13 hours ago
On Friday a volley of some 30 107mm Katyusha rockets hit the K1 base which houses Iraqi and U.S. troops near Kirkuk, Iraq. One U.S. mercenary/contractor died, two Iraqi and four U.S. soldiers were wounded. Instead of finding the real culprits - ISIS remnants, disgruntled locals, Kurds who want to regain control over Kirkuk - the U.S. decided that Kata'ib Hizbullah was the group guilty of the attack.

Iran And Iranian-Backed Militias Warn Of 'Consequences' After US Strikes In Iraq And Syria

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 13 hours ago
*Daily Mail: **US releases searing footage of bombardment that killed 25 Iranian-backed militia in Iraq as Hezbollah vows 'very tough' retaliation* * Iraqi security and militia sources said at least 25 Kataib Hezbollah fighters were killed and at least 55 wounded following three bombardments in Iraq and another two in Syria on Sunday night * Aerial footage was released of one of the strikes decimating targets in an attack branded 'terrorism' by Iran * US officials blamed the group for a rocket attack two days earlier that killed a US civilian contractor and injured four US servi... more »

Cannabis transport

John Rebchook at Marijuana Business Daily - 13 hours ago
The first three recreational cannabis businesses in Michigan have been approved to deliver MJ to homes. Cannabis transport is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs

Untitled

Jenna Orkin at From the Wilderness' Peak Oil Blog - 13 hours ago
From Jenna Orkin Climate change has cut Australian farm profits by 22% a year over past 20 years, report says We Have No Reason to Believe 5G Is Safe Rise In Climate-Related Deaths Will Surpass All Infectious Diseases, Economist Testifies 'IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO CLEAN IT ALL UP': 600-GALLON OIL SPILL IN GALAPAGOS KILLS WILDLIFE AND DISRUPTS FOOD CHAINS The Quiet Disappearance of Birds in North America Fortune 500 companies avoided $73.9B in taxes under Trump tax law China, Russia and Iran to hold joint naval drills Megafarms and deeper wells are draining the water beneath rural Arizona – qu... more »

Monday Morning Funny Pages courtesy of Chuck Schumer …

Uriel at 'Nox & Friends - 13 hours ago
OH WOW! Ya just can’t make up this stuff — seriously. So shall … we … fact … check? APPROPRIATIONS – NO WALL, NO BORDER, NO INFRASTRUCTURE, NO TRADE (until forced to after a year of sitting idle), LOTS of 2nd Amendment gun confiscation, no health bills, lots of hate crime control and breaking of the laws they are codified rather than fixing the laws, a lot of pointing fingers but no writing, lots of obstruction and obsequious attitude, lots of stocking stuffers though like higher government payroll and congressional pay increases, more tax bills on middle and upper incomes … Continue... more »

Hollywood and the left's view on gun violence is based on fiction

trinko at Conversations about the obvious - 13 hours ago
If you watch a lot of police shows on TV or police movies you'll know that in general the bad guy is a supposedly respectable businessman, a church going stay at home mom, a secretly corrupt and racist police officer, or any evangelical. Rarely do the prostitutes, pimps, drug dealers, thugs, illegal immigrants, gang members, or burglars who the protagonists come across during the story arc turn out to be the really bad guy. The reason for that is simple; if the obvious character was the killer the story wouldn't be interesting. The problem is that the left seems to have confused th... more »

Defending Some of Stephen Moore’s Ideas (Sort of)

Thomas Firey at Econlib - 13 hours ago
Earlier this year, when the Trump administration floated Stephen Moore’s name as an appointee to the Federal Reserve Board, a one-liner came to mind: “Someone must have told him there’d be no math.” Moore is infamous for math errors. Other reactions were less light-hearted. My Cato colleague George Selgin tweeted, “I don’t believe that [he] […] The post Defending Some of Stephen Moore’s Ideas (Sort of) appeared first on Econlib.

"Check Out...:

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 13 hours ago
“America has been a land of dreams. A land where the aspirations of people from countries cluttered with rich, cumbersome, aristocratic, ideological pasts can reach for what once seemed unattainable. Here they have tried to make dreams come true. Yet now... we are threatened by a new and particularly American menace. It is not the menace of class war, of ideology, of poverty, of disease, of illiteracy, or demagoguery, or of tyranny, though these now plague most of the world. It is the menace of unreality.” - Daniel J. Boorstin

Jim Kunstler, "Forecast 2020 - Whirlin’ and Swirlin’"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 13 hours ago
*"Forecast 2020 - Whirlin’ and Swirlin’"* by Jim Kunstler *"The Meta: *The big question for the year 2020 is simple: can America get its mind right? If the answer is no, we may not have much chance of continuing as a peaceful, functioning country. The era of the long emergency, as I call it, is of a piece with Strauss and Howe’s figurative winter in their Fourth Turning view of history playing out in generational cycles analogous to seasons of the year. Whatever you call it, the current disposition of things has had a harsh effect on our collective psychology. It has made an unusua... more »

Develop Nova Scotia is planning to booze up the waterfront

Tim Bousquet at Halifax Examiner - 13 hours ago
1. Rana Zaman After the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission rescinded an award given to Rana Zaman, “some somebodies have some explaining to do,” writes Stephen Kimber. “Let’s start with the provincial NDP and its leader, Gary Burrill. And move on to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, and to the Atlantic Jewish Council.” Click […]

FROM THE "MISSISSIPPI MUDDLE" FILE: Digest of reports (to date)!

bob somerby at the daily howler - 13 hours ago
*MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2019Starting tomorrow, The Letters:* Before the Christmas break, we examined a somewhat peculiar report in the New York Times. The article in question reported, then attempted to explain, Mississippi's rising scores on the Grade 4 Naep reading test. To be more precise, the "report" to which we refer was an opinion column. Its author offered a somewhat implausible explanation for the rising scores, which she'd failed to disaggregate. In short, all standard markers of journalistic incompetence were present and accounted for in this bungled column. To date, our ... more »

Not all Brexit Scenarios are Equal

Serban V.C. Enache at The Duran - 13 hours ago
Six days ago, the good folks at the Scottish Land Revenue Group posted a most pertinent graph on the United Kingdom’s present and projected economic course. It’s especially telling because Brexit under Johnson’s Government will be an utter betrayal of the pro-Brexiteer segment of the population, simply because the oligarchs behind the Tory party have […] More The post Not all Brexit Scenarios are Equal appeared first on The Duran.

Is Erdogan Recycling Terrorists from Idlib, to a New Civil War in Libya?

21wire at 21st Century Wire - 13 hours ago
*21WIRE + Mideast Discourse* | Bad news for Libya, as Turkey offers yet another lifeline to its al-Qaeda fighters.

A Note on Progressive Patriotism

Phil at All That Is Solid ... - 13 hours ago
There's enough in Rebecca Long-Bailey's kite-flying pitch to recommend her candidacy to would-be Becky Bros and Salford Mafiosi. There is no going back to soggy centrism as she draws the fundamental lesson that Labour's prospectus didn't lose the election. And RLB doubles down on the necessity for building the movement *and democratising it*, support party members and unions resisting Tory cuts and, by extension, Boris Johnson's efforts to demonise powerless minorities, and foster a revived progressive patriotism to begin the process of uniting our communities. Excuse me, *progress... more »

Police, Victims Warn Against Firing Guns on New Year’s Eve

AP News at Snopes.com - 13 hours ago
Although rare, people being shot by celebratory gunfire on New Year's Eve and other holidays like the Fourth of July does happen.

"How It Really Is"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 14 hours ago

"Tax Man Cometh With Hidden Increases For 2020"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 14 hours ago
*"Tax Man Cometh With Hidden Increases For 2020"* by Mike Shedlock via MishTalk, "Millions of Americans pay more to Uncle Sam than they would if some key tax numbers were indexed for inflation. For obvious reasons, Congress does not want people to know about the Creeping Tax Increases for 2020. Millions of Americans are paying more to Uncle Sam because there’s no indexing for a variety of tax provisions, including homeowner benefits, tax thresholds on Social Security and investment benchmarks among others. The 2017 tax overhaul added more to this list. The lack of an inflation adjus... more »

Monday Morning Links

Unknown at Accidental Deliberations - 14 hours ago
Miscellaneous material to start your week. - Damian Carrington reports on the large amount of microplastics raining down on residents of the world's cities. Geoffrey Morgan notes that Alberta's farmers are starting to realize that they're going to be left with the mess left behind - including orphaned wells - as the oil industry disappears. And John Meiners discusses the complete lack of corporate accountability in the wake of hundreds of oil spills arising out of Hurricane Katrina. - Meanwhile, Aaron Wherry and the Globe and Mail's editorial board each express cautious optimism ab... more »

Maharishi Paper Claims Meditation Will Reduce Chronic Heart Failure, Co-Author Is Editor In Chief Of The Journal

Hank Campbell at Science 2.0 blogs - 14 hours ago
If you are an African-American hypertensive at high risk of developing associated cardiovascular disease, a new paper from Maharishi Institute - where yogic flying instructors get trained to levitate(1) - says Transcendental Meditation will prevent abnormal enlargement of your heart and reduce chronic heart failure. read more

Whither the World in the 2020s?

adam at LaRouchePAC Feed - 14 hours ago
[image: Vladimir Putin met with President of the United States of America Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka. June 28, 2019 (kremlin.ru)] The final days of 2019 have seen dramatic steps towards reversing the era of British imperial division of the world into warring blocs. Yesterday, Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke by phone. The official purpose of the call, initiated by President Putin, was to thank the U.S. President for information shared by the intelligence services which has once again prevented a planned terrorist attack, this time in St.... more »

Tweets For Today

War News Updates Editor at War News Updates - 14 hours ago
BREAKING: The Taliban ruling council has agreed to a cease-fire in Afghanistan to allow for signing of a peace deal with the United States. A peace deal would allow Washington to bring home troops and end its 18-year military engagement there. https://t.co/pXGBQCysLB — The Associated Press (@AP) December 29, 2019 An Iranian-backed militia says the death toll from U.S. military strikes against its fighters in Iraq and Syria has risen to 25. Kataeb Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades, vowed to exact revenge for the “aggression of evil American ravens.” https://t.co/5VC25CgyNb — The As... more »

"Economic Market Snapshot AM 12/30/19"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 14 hours ago
*AM 12/30/19, Updated frequently as available.* ◆ Gregory Mannarino, AM 12/30/19: "Critical Market Updates" - 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 12/30/19 (updates daily): The Stock Market is Significantly Overvalued. Based on historical ratio of total market cap over GDP (currently at 152.5%), it is lik... more »

Greg Hunter, "Debt Reset Coming in 2020"

CoyotePrime at Running 'Cause I Can't Fly - 14 hours ago
*"Debt Reset Coming in 2020"* by Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com "Wayne Jett is an accomplished lawyer who has argued cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Jett is also an expert on the Federal Reserve and author of the popular book “The Fruits of Graft.” The Fed is one of the financial tentacles of the elite and is the key to their destructive power over “We the People.” Jett says, “The Federal Reserve is privately owned and the enemy of the American people as well as others around the world. They are not our savior, and it is not good to keep them around. We’ve got to shovel t... more »

Bolivia Emerging From the Crisis

Juan Martinez at The Rio Times - 14 hours ago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - Bolivia has for the time being emerged from the chaotic days following the resignation of President Evo Morales on November 10th, discredited by constitutional breaches and electoral fraud. Since November 23rd the country's Catholic Bishops' Conference, the United Nations, and the European Union played an important role as mediators in […] The post Bolivia Emerging From the Crisis appeared first on The Rio Times.

Saudi Placates Pakistan. What About India?

M. K. BHADRAKUMAR at OrientalReview.org - 14 hours ago
The one-day visit to Islamabad on December 26 by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah aimed at a reset of the Saudi-Pakistani relationship. What emerges is that Saudis are going the extra league to placate Pakistan. The Modi government must take note. To recap, things came to a […]

Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough unite to call for climate change action

Just In - 14 hours ago
Two titan climate campaigners, Greta Thunberg and Sir David Attenborough, join forces to push politicians and businesses to step up action on climate change after a year in which schoolchildren took to the world's streets in protest.

Annual occurrence

sue at Is the BBC biased? - 14 hours ago
There are so many things I would have blogged in the last few days /weeks. But I couldn’t. The worst thing (for me) was the BBC’s oh so predictable Christmastide anti-Israel emoting based on the BBC’s (and Sky’s) saccharine and weirdly sentimentalised portrayal of the Plight of the Palestinians - and at this time of year, of Palestinian *Christians*. If Palestinian Christians are beleaguered, it’s due to the ongoing persecution of Christians that the mainstream media persistently ignores, (because it’s) perpetrated by their favourite peaceful religion. The BBC must know is going ... more »

Sleeping Through The Exercise

Owen Gray at Northern Reflections - 14 hours ago
Doug Ford is trying to present a new face to his province. But, Mark Winfield writes, when it comes to the environment, Ford has not changed at all: This month’s release of the auditor-general’s damming report on the Ford government’s Made-in-Ontario environmental plan left Environment Minister Jeff Yurek calling for “help” in dealing with climate change. But the reality is that on environmental and energy issues, the government remains on the same path of disruption and destruction that defined its first piece of legislation that dismantled the previous government’s climate chang... more »

China's Aircraft Carriers Are a Paper Tiger (For Now)

David Axe at The National Interest - 15 hours ago
*David Axe* *Security, Asia* It all comes down to a few simple facts. The Chinese navy on Dec. 17, 2019 commissioned into service its second aircraft carrier, *Shandong*. China’s leader Xi Jinping presided over the commissioning ceremony at a naval base in Sanya, on the southern island of Hainan, the ship’s home port. With *Shandong *in service, the Chinese fleet now ties the Royal Navy as the second-biggest operator of carriers that are capable of operating fixed-wing aircraft. The U.S. Navy, the number-one carrier power, possesses 20 ships capable of launching and recovering a... more »

Would Russia Ship Stealth Fighters to Africa?

David Axe at The National Interest - 15 hours ago
*David Axe* *Security, * Rumors circulated in late December 2019 that Algeria had inked a contract with Russia to become the first export customer of the Su-57 stealth fighter. Be skeptical. Rumors circulated in late December 2019 that Algeria had inked a contract with Russia to become the first export customer of the Su-57 stealth fighter. Be skeptical. The Su-57 hasn’t completed flight testing and lacks key systems. Production of the radar-evading, twin-engine fighter has proved difficult to scale. Sukhoi likely will struggle to fill, on time, Russia’s own orders for the type... more »

America's Lawmakers Keep Writing Blank Checks for Foreign Wars

Doug Bandow at The National Interest - 15 hours ago
*Doug Bandow* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] Legislators must stop making excuses for prioritizing foreign interests and put America first again. *Key Point: *This needs to stop. President Donald Trump promised to put America first in his foreign policy. He hasn’t had much success—U.S. forces are still fighting every “endless war” he promised to stop—but at least he theoretically has his priorities right. In contrast, Congress appears to hate America. Legislators of both parties consistently put other nations first. There are occasional exceptions, such as Saudi Arabia ... more »

5 Questions You Didn't Know You Needed the Answers To

Maggie Villiger at The National Interest - 15 hours ago
*Maggie Villiger* *History, Americas* [image: Reuters] Curious kids have a thirst for knowledge and now we're sharing their questions with you. *So this year, The Conversation US jumped on a great idea dreamed up by our colleagues in Australia and launched a series of articles meant to answer questions kids ask, but that everyone probably wonders about. The Conversation’s editors collect children’s questions and then look for scholars who can provide clear answers based on their own research and expertise.* *Below are a few of our favorite “Curious Kids” articles from the pa... more »

5 Things You Didn't Know About Asylum, Citizenship and the Right to Live in the United States

Aviva Rutkin at The National Interest - 15 hours ago
*Aviva Rutkin* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] In the past, when asylum seekers showed up at the border, they were processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. Those days are gone. *Editor’s note: As we come to the end of the year, Conversation editors take a look back at the stories that – for them – exemplified 2019.* Who gets to live in the United States? It’s a contentious question, particularly as the Trump administration works to limit entry to the U.S., through policies like 2017’s travel ban, as well as increased use of detention centers. Meanwhile, o... more »

How to Save the Rainforest (And These Incredibly Cute Animals)

Andrea L. Baden at The National Interest - 15 hours ago
*Andrea L. Baden* *Environment, Americas* [image: Reuters] Lemurs are the world’s most endangered mammals, but planting trees can help save them. The island of Madagascar off the southeastern coast of Africa hosts at least 12,000 plant species and 700 vertebrate species, 80% to 90% of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Isolated for the last 88 million years and covering an area approximately the size of the northeastern United States, Madagascar is one of the world’s hottest biodiversity hotspots. Its island-wide species diversity is striking, but its tropical forest biodive... more »

How One Daring World War II Rescue Mission Made History

Warfare History Network at The National Interest - 15 hours ago
*Warfare History Network* *Security, Americas* [image: Reuters] Leave no man behind. *Key point:* Success came at a high price. In the predawn darkness of Dobodura, New Guinea, 2nd Lt. William J. Smith of the U.S. Army Air Corps was roughly awakened by a noncom announcing that it was time to get dressed and get to the mess tent for breakfast. Smith had not slept well, having spent most of the night fighting mosquitoes that had managed to get inside his cot’s netting. The nervous anticipation of flying another combat mission in the morning did not exactly make for peaceful slumbe... more »

China News Links 26-30 December 2019

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 15 hours ago
30 December 2019 — The New Dark Age There may be some duplication due to cross-posting and may be updated throughout the day, so please check back Seventy Years of U.S. Destabilisation in China. U.S. Sponsored Uyghur Insurgency in Xinjiang https://williambowles.info/2019/12/30/seventy-years-of-u-s-destabilisation-in-china-u-s-sponsored-uyghur-insurgency-in-xinjiang/ Iran seeks joint naval maneuvers in Caspian Sea with regional states, media reports say https://tass.com/world/1104879 … Continue reading China News Links 26-30 December 2019

Depleted Uranium and Radioactive Contamination in Iraq: An Overview

barovsky at The New Dark Age - 15 hours ago
First published on August 22, 2017, this authoritative report by Dr. Al- Azzawi addresses the war crimes committed by the US and its allies through the use of depleted uranium (radioactive) ammunition, resulting in countless deaths attributable to the spread of leukemia among children, congenital malformations, breast cancer. etc. Dr. Al-Azzawi is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization (CRG).

Most Favored Nation?

LL at Virtual Mirage - 15 hours ago
It's a trading status that traditionally rewards mutually beneficial relationships with a bonus consisting of the best trading terms, the fewest trade barriers or import quotas - if any. Endowing each other with these benefits was the key reason that the World Trade Organization was founded. If you look at the map (right), you'll see that the members are represented by the color green, the blue states are members which are part of the EU, yellow are observer states and the few red dots (places like North Korea, Palestine, Turkmenistan, etc.) are not members. Why is there a WTO agai... more »

Near Record Fraudulent Arctic Reporting

tonyheller at Real Climate Science - 15 hours ago
The Weather Channel claims the Arctic was near record warm in 2019. The Danish Meteorological Institute shows that winter temperatures near the North Pole were 5-10C cooler than 2016, and that summer temperatures were below the 1968-2002 mean. 2016 … Continue reading →

A few why moments the past decade

Keith at musingsofanoldfart - 15 hours ago
Since I speak often that we need to ask more why questions, as well as a few more what, how, and when questions, permit me to ask a few why questions about the past decade. Why would Prince Andrew think … Continue reading →

Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact Between Hitler & Stalin was a Political & Military Alliance; Poland was the First Victim of WWII – Polish PM

miningawareness at Mining Awareness + - 15 hours ago
USSR Germany divided Poland 1939 An important to read statement-summary: “Statement by the Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki 29 … Continue reading →

Participant in Rally for Belarus Independence: Whoever Wants To Be With Russia, Let Them Go; There’s Enough Space

miningawareness at Mining Awareness + - 15 hours ago
Participant in Rally for Belarus’ Independence: “Whoever wants to be with Russia – we don’t mind, let them go, there’s … Continue reading →

Cheat on your husband, encourages The Daily Telegraph

Serban V.C. Enache at The Duran - 15 hours ago
It’s not enough that for almost 100 years, Christmas has been hijacked by mindless, materialistic consumerism, now the cultural degeneracy must be pushed further. It was done in a satanically clever manner, replacing the birth of Jesus Christ with a fat, old guy in a red suit that brings presents – this new character being […] More The post Cheat on your husband, encourages The Daily Telegraph appeared first on The Duran.

How Israel Controls the Palestinian Narrative

A Political Junkie at Viable Opposition - 15 hours ago
Let's open this posting with two videos, First, we have this one: ...followed by this one at a demonstration in support of Muath Amarneh, the Palestinian journalist who who lost his eye after being shot by Israeli security forces while covering a protest in the occupied West Bank on November 17, 2019: While one would like to think that Mr. Amarneh's injury is the exception, a study by The Palestinian Center Development and Media Freedoms or MADA indicates that such attacks against Palestinian journalists by the Israeli Defense Force is far from rare. According to MADA's Annual R... more »

Highly recommend this film

Bruce K. Gagnon at Organizing Notes - 15 hours ago
We went to see this new film on Xmas day. It is a great movie. I can't recommend it enough. I am not particularly fond of Clint Eastwood but I'd have to say it was the best film I've ever seen him make. Surprisingly it was co-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. An unusual pair for sure. The film is about the over reach of the FBI and how they set up security guard Richard Jewell to take the blame after the 1996 Olympic bombing in Atlanta. The actor that plays the accused Richard Jewell did a stunning performance. It's an important film as we hear the current stories about FBI-CIA-... more »

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